Q5Indian Constitution

The Prime Minister of India is the head of government (as distinct from the President, who is the ceremonial head of state) and is appointed by the President, conventionally the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. As head of the Council of Ministers under Article 74, the PM is described as 'first among equals' (primus inter pares) and exercises real executive power in India's parliamentary system.

Key powers and functions of the Prime Minister include: forming the Council of Ministers by recommending the appointment, allocation of portfolios, and (if needed) dismissal of ministers to the President; presiding over and coordinating Cabinet meetings, setting the agenda for major policy decisions; acting as the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers under Article 78, keeping the President informed of all decisions and legislative proposals; advising the President on key appointments such as the Attorney General, CAG, UPSC Chairman, and Governors; chairing important bodies such as the NITI Aayog and various Cabinet Committees (on security, economic affairs, etc.), thereby steering national policy on defence, economy and administration; representing India in international forums, summits and diplomatic negotiations as the principal spokesperson of the government; and playing a decisive role in dissolution of the Lok Sabha (by advising the President) and hence effectively controlling the timing of general elections. The Prime Minister's authority also derives significantly from being the leader of the majority party, giving them effective control over the legislative agenda in addition to formal executive powers, making the office the most powerful position in Indian governance despite the President formally being the head of state.

This concentration of real authority in the Prime Minister, balanced by continuous accountability to the Lok Sabha (which can remove the government through a no-confidence motion at any time), is a defining feature of India's parliamentary executive.