Indian federalism is best described as a union of states where no unit has the right to secede from the federation. This means that India operates as a federal system with a strong central government and individual state governments that have certain powers and responsibilities.

Explanation:
1. Background of Indian Federalism:
Indian federalism was established with the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950. It was influenced by the historical context of India, which had been under British colonial rule for many years. The framers of the Constitution aimed to create a system where power was shared between the central government and the states, while also ensuring the unity and integrity of the country.

2. Union of States:
Indian federalism is characterized by the union of states, where the states voluntarily came together to form a federation. Unlike some federal systems where the states have the right to secede from the federation, in India, no unit has such a right. This means that once a state becomes a part of the Indian federation, it cannot unilaterally secede from it.

3. Central Government's Authority:
In Indian federalism, the central government has certain powers that are exclusive to it. These include matters of national importance such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency. The central government also has concurrent powers, which are shared with the state governments. This means that both the central and state governments can legislate on these matters, but in case of a conflict, the central law prevails.

4. State Governments' Authority:
State governments in India have their own powers and responsibilities. They have the authority to legislate and govern on subjects that are not exclusively reserved for the central government. These include areas such as education, health, agriculture, and local governance. State governments also have the power to collect taxes and generate revenue for their own governance.

5. Division of Powers:
Indian federalism ensures a division of powers between the central government and the state governments. The Constitution of India clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of each level of government, and there is a system of checks and balances to prevent any one level from becoming too dominant. This division of powers allows for effective governance at both the central and state levels.

In conclusion, Indian federalism is best described as a union of states where no unit has the right to secede from the federation. It is a system that balances the powers and responsibilities between the central government and the state governments, ensuring the unity and integrity of the country while also allowing for regional autonomy.