INDIA

Independent since 1947, modern India faces both internal and external threats to its peace and stability. Ethnic minorities continue to agitate for more rights in this, the world's most populous democracy. Tribal groups, the indigenous peoples of this very diverse nation, are also de-mandingfair treatment and better living conditions. Although predominantly Hindu in composition, India is a committed secular state with no official endorsement of any one religion. Muslims form the largest minority group, and religious clashes have occurred over the years in Kashmir and other parts of the country. Differences over language rights have generated conflicts between and within existing states (called provinces in India) and have led to provincial boundary changes to accommodate the various groups. The fundamental basis for much of the conflict is economic as various groups compete in a developing but overpopulated nation. Further problems are caused by India's attempts to eradicate the centuries-old caste system. Discrimination on the basis of caste is not allowed constitutionally, but conflicts between the so-called upper and lower castes continue, especially on the issue of access to coveted civil service positions. Despite these problems, India has remained a democratic republic with a strong commitment to parliamentary systems, legislative responsibility to the electorate, frequent elections, articulate and very vocal public opinion, and a free press with over

35,000 newspapers and journals published in nearly one hundred languages.

Regionalism and communalism have bedeviled the efforts of India's federal government to centralize the nation. Various ethnic groups identify more closely with their province than with the central authority. The pull toward decentralization continues to be a source of active political agitation. Occasionally, as with the Sikhs, this force has become a demand for self-determination resulting in violence.

Since its independence India has fought a number of wars with neighboring states, notably Pakistan and China. These conflicts have been mainly territorial and political. The friction be-