---
title: "Zonal Councils: India's Inter-State Bodies | Model Diplomat"
description: "Zonal Councils are advisory bodies in India that enhance inter-state cooperation and dispute resolution, crucial for effective governance and regional harmony."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/zonal-councils"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Zonal Councils are statutory advisory bodies that group Indian states by region to promote inter-state cooperation and coordinated dispute resolution.
- Are Zonal Councils constitutional or statutory bodies?
- How many Zonal Councils exist and who chairs them?
- Why are the northeastern states not part of the Zonal Councils?
- Can Zonal Councils enforce decisions on disputing states?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 25th Western Zonal Council meeting at Diu in 2022, where Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territories discussed asset-sharing, river-water, and banking-access issues.

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