The President of India is referred to as the nominal head of the state because India follows a parliamentary system of Government. He is not the real head of the executive as the real power is exercised by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Two Legislative powers of the President which suggest his nominal status are:
(i) According to the Constitution, the President is required to exercise his powers on the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers.
(ii) All proclamations of emergency made by the President have to be approved by the Parliament within 1 month. If it is not approved then it ceases to exist.
That is why the President of India is referred to as a nominal head of the state.
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