Constitutional Foundation:
India: Secularism in India is enshrined in the preamble of the Indian Constitution, which declares India to be a "sovereign socialist secular democratic republic." The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens and prohibits discrimination based on religion.
USA: The United States does not have an explicit mention of secularism in its Constitution. However, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution ensures the separation of church and state, preventing the government from establishing a state religion and protecting individuals' religious freedom.
Approach to Religion:
India: India is a religiously diverse country with a long history of various religions coexisting. Indian secularism adopts a policy of "equal respect for all religions" and seeks to maintain harmony among different religious communities. The state allows religious freedom and acknowledges and supports various religious practices and institutions.
USA: The United States is also religiously diverse, and its secularism emphasizes the principle of "religious neutrality" by maintaining a strict separation between religious institutions and the state. The government remains neutral on matters of religion, neither endorsing nor favoring any particular religion.
Relationship with Religious Groups:
India: In India, the government recognizes religious minorities and provides certain affirmative action measures, such as reservations and protections for religious and cultural institutions, to address historical inequalities and protect minority rights. The state also manages some religious institutions and provides financial support to religious pilgrimage sites.