India is a Union of States comprising 28 States and 8 Union Territories as of 2026. Union Territories (UTs) are federally administered regions governed directly by the Central Government. The President of India administers them through appointed Lieutenant Governors or Administrators under Articles 239–241 of the Constitution.
Unlike States, which possess elected governments with substantial legislative and executive powers, most UTs have limited or no independent legislature. Three UTs—Delhi (National Capital Territory), Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir—have elected Legislative Assemblies with restricted powers. The remaining five are administered entirely by the Centre.
The present configuration of eight UTs has remained unchanged since the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu on 26 January 2020 and the reorganisation of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate UTs on 31 October 2019 under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
Comparative Overview of the 8 Union Territories
| Union Territory | Capital | Area (km²) | Population (2011 Census) | Legislative Assembly | Administrative Head | Lok Sabha Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) | 8,249 | 380,581 | No | Lieutenant Governor | 1 |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 114 | 1,055,450 | No | Administrator | 1 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman | 603 | ~585,764 | No | Administrator | 2 |
| Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi | 1,484 | 16,787,941 | Yes (70 seats) | Lieutenant Governor | 7 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) | 42,241 | ~12.26 million | Yes (90 elected + nominated) | Lieutenant Governor | 5 |
| Ladakh | Leh | ~59,146 | 274,289 | No (Hill Councils) | Lieutenant Governor | 1 |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | 32 | 64,473 | No | Administrator | 1 |
| Puducherry | Puducherry | ~483 | 1,247,953 | Yes (30 elected + nominated) | Lieutenant Governor | 1 |
Notes: Area and population figures are approximate or based on 2011 Census data with later estimates. Largest UT by area is Ladakh; smallest is Lakshadweep. Three UTs have legislatures.
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands form a strategically vital archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, comprising over 500 islands (around 38 inhabited). The capital was renamed Sri Vijaya Puram from Port Blair in September 2024 to remove colonial associations; the name honours the historical Chola maritime links with the Srivijaya Empire.
- History: Known for indigenous tribes (including the Sentinelese). Served as a British penal colony (Cellular Jail). Site of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s first hoisting of the Indian tricolour. Became a UT in 1956. Severely affected by the 2004 tsunami.
- Geography & Administration: Three districts (South Andaman, North and Middle Andaman, Nicobar). Headed by a Lieutenant Governor. No legislature. High Court jurisdiction under Calcutta High Court.
- Economy & Tourism: Limited agriculture, fishing, and growing tourism (Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach, Havelock/Swaraj Dweep, Neil/Shaheed Dweep).
- Strategic Importance: Hosts India’s only integrated Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) — a tri-service theatre command. Located near the approaches to the Strait of Malacca, it is critical for maritime domain awareness, surveillance of sea lanes, and India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Major infrastructure projects (including Great Nicobar development) aim to strengthen logistics, ports, and airfields.
2. Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a planned city designed by Le Corbusier and serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. It became a UT in 1966 following the reorganisation of Punjab.
- Features: High literacy rate, planned sectors, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and Rose Garden. Headed by an Administrator. No legislature. Shares the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- Economy: Strong services and government employment base; high per capita income.
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
This UT was formed on 26 January 2020 by merging the former separate UTs of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu under the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Act, 2019. The capital is Daman.
- History: Former Portuguese territories. Dadra and Nagar Haveli liberated in 1954; Daman and Diu integrated in 1961. Three districts: Dadra and Nagar Haveli (headquarters Silvassa), Daman, and Diu.
- Administration: Headed by an Administrator. No legislature. Two Lok Sabha seats.
- Economy: Industrial growth (textiles, chemicals, manufacturing), especially in Silvassa and Daman.
4. Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi)
Delhi is India’s capital region and the most populous UT. It has a 70-member Legislative Assembly under Article 239AA (69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991).
- Governance: Lieutenant Governor (as of 2026, Taranjit Singh Sandhu) and an elected government. As of 2026, the BJP is in power with Rekha Gupta as Chief Minister (following the 2025 elections). The LG holds significant powers, particularly over services and land, leading to ongoing Centre-State dynamics.
- Importance: National capital, major economic and political hub. Seven Lok Sabha seats and representation in the Rajya Sabha.
5. Jammu and Kashmir
Created as a UT on 31 October 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the former State. It has dual capitals: Srinagar (summer) and Jammu (winter).
- Governance: 90-member elected Legislative Assembly (plus nominated members). Elections held in September–October 2024. Omar Abdullah (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference) became Chief Minister on 16 October 2024. As of late 2026, the Assembly has passed resolutions seeking restoration of full statehood. Lieutenant Governor is Manoj Sinha. Powers of the elected government are limited compared to a full State.
- Strategic Context: Critical for national security given its border with Pakistan and history of terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. High security presence of the Indian Army and CAPFs.
6. Ladakh
Also created on 31 October 2019. It is a high-altitude cold desert region bordering China and Pakistan. Capital is Leh. No Legislative Assembly currently; governed through the Lieutenant Governor and Autonomous Hill Development Councils.
- Recent Developments (2026): On 25 October 2026, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena declared Ladakh India’s first 100% organic Union Territory, following a multi-year transition, complete ban on chemical fertilisers, and certification efforts. Administrative reorganisation has increased the number of districts to eight (including Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Drass, Zanskar, and Sankoo), with corresponding expansion of hill councils. Panchayat and related local body elections have been scheduled. Negotiations continue with local bodies (Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance) regarding a proposed UT-level elected framework under constitutional safeguards (discussed in the context of a possible Article 371K), though full statehood or a conventional legislature has not been granted. The LG retains final authority in proposed models.
- Strategic Importance: Extremely high for border security with China (including areas near the Line of Actual Control). Hosts significant military deployments. Fragile ecology and unique culture (Buddhist and Muslim populations).
7. Lakshadweep
India’s smallest UT by area, a coral archipelago of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea. Capital is Kavaratti.
- Features: High literacy, predominantly Muslim population, restricted tourism to protect the environment. Headed by an Administrator. No legislature. One Lok Sabha seat.
- Importance: Maritime security and Exclusive Economic Zone considerations in the Arabian Sea.
8. Puducherry
A former French colony consisting of four non-contiguous districts (Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam). Capital is Puducherry.
- Governance: Has a Legislative Assembly (30 elected members). Elections held in April 2026; N. Rangasamy of the All India N.R. Congress (leading the NDA) continued as Chief Minister. Headed by a Lieutenant Governor.
- Culture & Economy: Distinct French colonial architecture, tourism, and coastal economy.
Key Distinctions and Significance
Union Territories exist primarily for reasons of strategic location, small size, cultural distinctiveness, or the need for centralised administration. Island UTs (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep) are vital for maritime security and exclusive economic zones. Northern border UTs (Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh) are critical for territorial integrity and defence preparedness. Delhi serves as the national capital, while others balance administrative efficiency with local aspirations.
As of October 2026, demands for greater autonomy or statehood continue in Jammu and Kashmir and, to a lesser extent, in Ladakh and Puducherry. The overall structure of 28 States and 8 Union Territories remains stable, supporting both national unity and regional development.
This framework ensures central oversight where national security and strategic interests are paramount while allowing limited democratic participation in select UTs.
