While India is the largest democracy by population, some democracy indices (Freedom House, V-Dem) have noted concerning trends regarding democratic backsliding, press freedom restrictions, and minority rights in recent years. The classification of 'democracy' depends on the definition used—India ranks as a 'flawed democracy' in the EIU Democracy Index and 'partly free' in Freedom House's 2025 assessment, though still democratic in nature.
Sources
PrimaryFreedom House - India: Freedom in the World 2025 Country ReportWhile India is a multiparty democracy, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has presided over discriminatory policies and a rise in persecution affecting the Muslim population
SecondaryBBC News - India country profileIndia is the world's largest democracy and, according to UN estimates, its population overtook China's in 2023 to become the world's most populous country
SecondaryStatista - The World's Biggest DemocraciesIndia is the world's biggest democracy with an estimated population of approximately 1,428 million in 2024, followed by the United States with approximately 339 million