900 million people the most populous of all federations, is comprised of 25 States and 7 centrally administered Union Territories.
Indian federalism is weighted heavily towards the central government.
The distribution of powers between the Union and the States is enumerated on 3 lists in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. In the event of conflict between Union law and State law on any subject enumerated in the Concurrent List, Union law will prevail. The Union Parliament may legislate with respect to any subject in the State List in circumstances when the subject assumes national importance or during emergencies. Residual powers are vested in the Union. Other provisions deal with the administrative relations between the Union and the States, inter-State trade and commerce, distribution of revenues between the States and the Union, official language, etc.