Why is the President's role as Supreme Commander of the armed forces considered formal?

Correct answer: Because actual defence policy is decided by the government and Council of Ministers

Correct answer: A. The President is the constitutional Supreme Commander, so the office has an important formal and symbolic position. However, India follows a parliamentary system in which the elected government exercises real executive authority. The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, takes policy decisions and gives advice within the constitutional framework. The President normally acts on that advice, so the title does not mean that the President independently designs defence policy or commands every operational decision. Option A is correct. B is wrong because being a civilian does not mean the office has no constitutional role. C is wrong because the army’s relationship with Parliament does not explain the President’s formal position. D is wrong because the Prime Minister and government are central to executive defence decisions. Memory cue: constitutional title may be formal, while elected ministers exercise practical authority.