India is often described as a "Union of States" rather than a "Federation" because of the unique nature of its political structure. While the terms "Union" and "Federation" are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions that apply to India:

India is often described as a "Union of States" rather than a "Federation" because of the unique nature of its political structure. While the terms "Union" and "Federation" are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions that apply to India:

1. Sovereignty: In a federation, the constituent states retain a significant degree of sovereignty, meaning they have their own independent powers and authority. In contrast, in India, the ultimate sovereignty rests with the Union (the central government). States in India derive their powers from the Constitution, and these powers are subject to the authority of the Union.

2. Division of Powers: In a typical federation, there is a clear division of powers between the central government and the states. While India also has a division of powers outlined in its Constitution (Seventh Schedule), the central government has the power to alter these divisions and even redraw state boundaries with parliamentary approval. This flexibility is not typical in a strict federal system.

3. Single Citizenship: In most federations, citizens hold dual citizenship, one for their respective state and another for the country as a whole. In India, there is a single citizenship for the entire country, and citizens are subject to the jurisdiction of the central government, not just their state.

4. Integrated Judiciary: India has a unified judiciary with the Supreme Court as the highest authority. In a federation, there are often separate federal and state-level judicial systems. The Indian Supreme Court can adjudicate on matters that involve both the central government and the states.

5. Emergency Provisions: The Indian Constitution provides for the declaration of a state of emergency (national, state, or financial) in certain circumstances, which can lead to temporary changes in the federal structure. During such emergencies, the central government gains more authority over the states.

6. Flexible Constitution: The Indian Constitution allows for the reorganization of states, which means that the boundaries and divisions of states can be altered through parliamentary legislation. This is not common in most federal systems.

In summary, while India does have a federal structure with a division of powers between the center and states, it is unique in many ways. The central government in India holds significant authority, and the Constitution provides flexibility that allows for a more integrated and adaptable system compared to a strict federation. This is why India is often referred to as a "Union of States" rather than a "Federation."