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| 1967, Feb. 15–21 |
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| National elections. The Congress Party secured a small majority in the lower house, but lost in many of the state assemblies, while the Communists gained. In 9 of the 16 Indian states, coalition governments became necessary. Growth of regional parties, in part the reflection of tension over the language question, formed part of this significant shift in the nature of the Congress Party. The shared vision shaped by the independence movement receded; in its place, Congress began to form other kinds of alliances and strategies to keep “interest groups” within the fold. Under the leadership of Indira Gandhi (especially after she returned to power in 1980), Congress began to treat Muslims, Sikhs, and Untouchables as minority interest “voting blocs”; the appeasement strategies devised by the party worked directly against state and civil society interests in maintaining relationships with individuals. | 1 |
| Rich peasants, who had benefited from steep rises in food prices after the 1966–67 drought, achieved greater autonomy and state support under the new regime. They consequently invested in Green Revolution approaches that significantly improved agricultural production. | 2 |
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| 1968, Jan |
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| Further tension with China and with Pakistan over their support of Naga and Mizo rebels. | 3 |
| Student and communal disturbances increased greatly. In some areas, Communists tried to start peasant revolts. | 4 |
| Sheik Abdullah was again released. | 5 |
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| Jan. 25–31 |
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| Visit of Premier Kosygin to India. A joint Indian-Soviet declaration called for unconditional cessation of the U.S. bombing of North Vietnam. | 6 |
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| Feb |
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| Disintegration of the non–Congress Party coalition in West Bengal and (April) in Uttar Pradesh and other states. In these areas, where the Congress Party did not control a majority in the assembly, presidential rule had to be instituted. | 7 |
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