P.V. Narasimha Rao faced multiple challenges during his tenure as Prime Minister. Politically, he led a minority government, which required skilful negotiation and coalition building. Economically, he inherited a nation on the brink of bankruptcy, prompting him to initiate drastic liberalisation reforms. These reforms, though economically beneficial, faced resistance and were politically risky. Socially, he confronted significant communal unrest, most notably following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, which led to widespread communal riots and long-standing religious tensions. Internationally, he navigated India through the post-Cold War era, reorienting foreign policy while maintaining India's non-aligned stance.

During Rajiv Gandhi's tenure, India faced several economic challenges, including a large fiscal deficit, burgeoning external debt, and slow industrial growth. To address these, Gandhi initiated a series of economic reforms aimed at liberalising the Indian economy. He reduced import tariffs, eased restrictions on technology imports, and encouraged foreign direct investment. However, these measures were met with resistance from within his party and were not as extensive as those introduced later by Narasimha Rao. His tenure also witnessed scandals, such as the Bofors scandal, which overshadowed his economic initiatives and raised questions about governance and corruption.

Indira Gandhi's tenure had a profound impact on India's foreign relations, especially with its neighbours. The most significant event was the 1971 Indo-Pak War, leading to the creation of Bangladesh, which altered the geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and led to a significant improvement in India-Bangladesh relations. Her policies towards Pakistan remained firm and often confrontational, especially in the context of the Kashmir issue. Relations with China remained tense post the 1962 war, with little progress on border disputes. Her tenure also saw efforts to strengthen ties with the Soviet Union, which provided a counterbalance to the U.S.-Pakistan alliance in the region.

Narasimha Rao's foreign policy marked a significant shift in India's international relations, particularly with the United States and Russia. Post the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Rao moved India closer to the United States, establishing a framework for strategic and economic cooperation. This shift was a pragmatic response to the changing global order and India's liberalisation needs. With Russia, Rao worked to maintain the strong relationship established during the Soviet era, despite the changed geopolitical landscape. His tenure also witnessed the signing of the India-Russia Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, reaffirming the longstanding ties between the two countries.

Indira Gandhi's tenure saw significant strides in addressing gender equality and women's rights in India. Though not a focal point of her public policy, her leadership as the first female Prime Minister itself was a powerful symbol of women's capability in high political office. The 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India, enacted in 1976 during her leadership, included a provision for equal pay for equal work for both men and women. Additionally, she supported various social programmes aimed at improving the education and employment opportunities for women. However, it's important to note that substantial legislative and societal changes regarding women's rights gained momentum in later years.