Chennai entrepreneur Madan Raj and his wife Vandana, both 30, use a dating app separately and together with full consent. This shows ethical non-monogamy (ENM), where couples explore other partners while staying committed. ENM has grown in India over 15 years, speeding up after the pandemic, even reaching smaller cities like Guwahati and Lucknow. ENM means couples agree on clear rules to date others openly. Bengaluru counsellor Vidya Jebaraj says, "Healthy boundaries, clear communication, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of any relationship; and when you open up a marriage or a once-committed monogamous relationship, then the need for rules, clarity, and communication becomes even more imperative." Married couples say ENM builds trust and refreshes marriage life. Chennai’s Selvam Durai shared, "We opened our marriage after 10 years and two kids. Our ENM is structured so nothing disrupts our lives. It has helped build trust, and has even made us happier." Although mostly discreet due to social stigma, ENM is more common than many expect. Smaller towns show more patriarchal patterns, where men explore ENM more openly than women. A 2022 Bumble study found 61% of single Indians are open to ENM. Psychologist Amanpreet Nagpal notes more polyamorous clients, linking the lifestyle with being modern. Yet challenges remain with jealousy and emotional insecurity, needing honest talk. India's courts have made progress by decriminalising adultery and Section 377, helping acceptance of alternative relationships. Still, polyamory is not legally recognized in India. Online groups and apps like OkCupid and Bumble support ENM identities, while meet-ups help members tackle loneliness, secrecy, and family pressures. Post-pandemic, dating platforms grew fast. A 2023 survey found 22% of married Indians now live as open couples. Experts say ENM is moving from the fringe to a notable social trend, especially among urban, educated young people. Bangalore therapist Shobha James noted, "The challenge isn’t love itself but navigating a society that doesn’t yet have the vocabulary for it." Mental health studies even find polyamorous individuals report better well-being. Though ENM still sits in a cautious cultural bubble, interest and acceptance continue to build across India.