Changes

Each state also has a presidentially appointed governor, who may assume certain broad powers when directed by the central government. The central government exerts greater control over the union territories than over the states, although some territories have gained more power to administer their own affairs. Local governments in India have less autonomy than their counterparts in the United States. Some states are trying to revitalize the traditional village councils, or panchayats, to promote popular democratic participation at the village level, where much of the population still lives. Over half a million panchayats exist throughout India.  

Each state also has a presidentially appointed governor, who may assume certain broad powers when directed by the central government. The central government exerts greater control over the union territories than over the states, although some territories have gained more power to administer their own affairs. Local governments in India have less autonomy than their counterparts in the United States. Some states are trying to revitalize the traditional village councils, or panchayats, to promote popular democratic participation at the village level, where much of the population still lives. Over half a million panchayats exist throughout India.  

===Principal Government Officials===

==Principal Government Officials==

*President--Pratibha Patil

*President--Pratibha Patil

*Vice President--Mohammed Hamid Ansari

*Vice President--Mohammed Hamid Ansari

*Minister of External Affairs--Pranab Mukherjee

*Minister of External Affairs--Pranab Mukherjee

*Ambassador to the U.S.--Ronen Sen

*Ambassador to the U.S.--Ronen Sen

*Ambassador to the UN--Nirupam Sen  

*Ambassador to the UN--Nirupam Sen

===Political Conditions===

===Political Conditions===