Prof. Dr. Chanchal Kumar Sharma

In 2026, trade negotiations with the US and EU will need to be balanced by India with the demands of its BRICS presidency amid a shifting global order. Complex ties with China and the US, state elections, and tensions with the South Asian country’s diverse neighbours will test the ruling government.

Both insufficient and excessive fiscal equalization can ignite secessionist tensions, particularly when economic grievances overlap with minority identities. This article introduces a “concessionary federalism” framework – promoting continuous dialogue and reciprocal concessions – to balance fiscal autonomy with equalization and prevent conflict escalation.

Why do some subnational units respond better to crises than others, despite having the same constitutional authority to act? This GIGA Focus investigates the cases of four Indian states to identify factors contributing to successful COVID-19 crisis management.