Under Article 263, the Inter-State Council can be established by ______ order to inquire into and advise on disputes between States, subjects of common interest, and policy recommendations, promoting cooperative federalism through structured dialogue.

Inter-State Council constitutional basis: (a) Article 263: President may by order establish Inter-State Council if it appears expedient in public interest, (b) Functions: (i) Inquire into and advise on disputes between States, (ii) Investigate and discuss subjects of common interest to Union/States, (iii) Make recommendations for better policy coordination, (c) Establishment: ISC established by Presidential order in 1990 based on Sarkaria Commission recommendation, (d) Composition: PM (Chairperson), all CMs, UT Lt. Governors, Union Ministers as needed — ensures high-level political engagement, (e) Functioning challenges: (i) Infrequent meetings (last meeting 2022), limiting continuous dialogue, (ii) Limited implementation of recommendations, reducing impact, (iii) Political dynamics affecting cooperation, (f) Potential: If activated regularly, ISC could: (i) Resolve inter-State disputes through dialogue, not litigation, (ii) Coordinate policy on common challenges (climate, migration, infrastructure), (iii) Strengthen cooperative federalism through institutionalized Centre-State consultation, (g) Illustrates constitutional mechanism for cooperative federalism: Potential for structured dialogue underutilized due to political will gaps; reform needed to activate ISC as effective federal coordination platform.