The Inter-State Council, established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, was envisioned as a crucial institutional mechanism to facilitate coordination between states and between the Union and states, thereby strengthening cooperative federalism. Its mandate includes inquiring into and advising upon disputes, investigating subjects of common interest, and making recommendations for better policy coordination. However, despite this clear constitutional mandate, the Inter-State Council has largely failed to 'come of age' and realize its full potential.

One primary reason for its limited effectiveness is the infrequent and irregular nature of its meetings. For long periods, the Council remained dormant, convening only sporadically, which undermined its ability to engage in continuous dialogue and problem-solving. This lack of consistent engagement often stems from a lack of political will, particularly from the central government, which sometimes prefers to address inter-state issues through other, less formal channels or through its own administrative mechanisms.

Furthermore, the Council's recommendations are purely advisory, lacking any binding force. While this is inherent in its consultative nature, it means that its suggestions can be easily overlooked or ignored by the Union or state governments, diminishing its influence. The existence of other forums, such as the National Development Council (now NITI Aayog) and Zonal Councils, sometimes leads to an overlap of functions or a diffusion of focus, further marginalizing the Inter-State Council.

Moreover, the Council's agenda is often dominated by the central government, and states may feel their concerns are not adequately prioritized or addressed. The composition and functioning of its Standing Committee, while intended to streamline work, can also sometimes limit the broader participation and ownership of all states. Consequently, what was designed as a vital platform for dialogue and consensus-building has often been reduced to a ceremonial body, failing to play a robust role in resolving inter-state disputes or fostering genuine policy coordination in India's complex federal structure.