'Secularism' in India has been understood in multiple senses, which include but go beyond the western meaning.

In the western context, secularism primarily refers to the separation of church and state. This separation of religious and political authority was related to the process of secularisation, or the progressive retreat of religion from public life, linked to the rise of modernity and rationality.

In India, the meaning includes the western sense but also involves other interpretations. The most common use of secular in everyday Indian language is as the opposite of communal. A secular person or state is one that does not favour any particular religion over others.

In terms of the state-religion relationship, Indian secularism implies equal respect for all religions, rather than separation or distancing. Unlike the western model, this need not imply hostility to religion. For example, the secular Indian state declares public holidays to mark the festivals of all religions.

Additionally, Indian secularism involves the protection of minorities through special consideration. Supporters argue that without such protection, secularism can become an excuse for imposing the majority community's values on minorities.