Indian secularism focuses on more than just the separation of religion and state. While separation is necessary, it is not sufficient for a truly secular state. The Indian conception places crucial emphasis on inter-religious equality and goes beyond mere peaceful coexistence or toleration.

Indian secularism arose in a context of deep religious diversity with a pre-existing culture of inter-religious tolerance. However, tolerance alone is compatible with religious domination and provides only limited freedom. In times of peace, people struggle for equal dignity and respect, which requires more than mere tolerance.

A distinctive feature of Indian secularism is its concern with intra-religious domination. It has made room for state-supported religious reform. The Indian Constitution bans untouchability, and the state has enacted laws abolishing child marriage and lifting taboos on inter-caste marriage sanctioned by Hinduism.

The Indian state maintains its secular character by being neither theocratic nor establishing any religion. It has adopted a sophisticated policy pursuing religious equality, allowing it to either disengage with religion or engage with it when required.

True secularism requires commitment to principles like peace, religious freedom, freedom from religiously grounded oppression, and inter-religious and intra-religious equality. Indian secularism allows for principled state intervention in religions and does not treat every aspect of every religion with equal respect.