- Shashi Tharoor argues for the revival and strengthening of the Inter-State Council under Article 263 to foster true cooperative federalism in India. - The article highlights growing frictions between the Union government and opposition-ruled states regarding financial devolution, legislative overreach, and unilateral policy implementations. - Reviving institutional mechanisms like the Inter-State Council can act as a formal forum for dispute resolution, consensus building, and reducing political polarization in Centre-State relations. - Cooperative federalism requires not just financial cooperation but structural platforms where states have a meaningful voice in national policymaking. - **Article 263:** A constitutional provision empowering the President to establish a council to inquire into inter-state disputes, discuss subjects of common interest, and make recommendations for better policy coordination between the Centre and states. - **Inter-State Council:** A constitutional body established under Article 263 to facilitate coordination, debate, and consensus-building on policies of mutual interest between the Union and the state governments. - **Constitution of India:** The foundational legal document of India that outlines the framework of governance, fundamental rights, directive principles, and the federal distribution of powers between the Centre and states. **Introduction** Shashi Tharoor discusses the state of Indian federalism, emphasizing the urgent need to revive the Inter-State Council under Article 263. The piece highlights structural tensions between the Centre and states and argues that collaborative institutions are vital to safeguard India's diverse and democratic federal framework. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - Shashi Tharoor argues for the revival and strengthening of the Inter-State Council under Article 263 to foster true cooperative federalism in India. - The article highlights growing frictions between the Union government and opposition-ruled states regarding financial devolution, legislative overreach, and unilateral policy implementations. - Reviving institutional mechanisms like the Inter-State Council can act as a formal forum for dispute resolution, consensus building, and reducing political polarization in Centre-State relations. - Cooperative federalism requires not just financial cooperation but structural platforms where states have a meaningful voice in national policymaking. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Article 263:** A constitutional provision empowering the President to establish a council to inquire into inter-state disputes, discuss subjects of common interest, and make recommendations for better policy coordination between the Centre and states. - **Inter-State Council:** A constitutional body established under Article 263 to facilitate coordination, debate, and consensus-building on policies of mutual interest between the Union and the state governments. - **Constitution of India:** The foundational legal document of India that outlines the framework of governance, fundamental rights, directive principles, and the federal distribution of powers between the Centre and states.