- India has a fragmented multiparty system, with over 30 parties currently represented in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament). Forming a governing coalition requires larger parties to work with numerous smaller regional or caste-based parties. - Secularism remains a challenge as minority rights for Muslims are seen as departing from secularism by some Hindus, while lack of separate religious laws is viewed as imposition by some Muslims. - The judiciary and active press have helped defend India's democracy by checking challenges to the system. However, both natural disasters and political violence continue to impact India.