This is the 8120th most frequent German word.
indian
In English, "Indian" can mean: 1. Belonging to India (e.g. Indian culture or cuisine). 2. A native or inhabitant of India. However, in other contexts can mean Native American.
The word 'indian' here is an adjective ('indischer'), describing the origin or type of the noun 'Elefant' (elephant).
Der indische Elefant ist größer als der afrikanische.
The Indian elephant is larger than the African one.
'Indian' as 'indisches' is used here as an adjective, specifying the cuisine or style of the food ('Gericht').
Sie bestellte ein indisches Gericht im Restaurant.
She ordered an Indian dish at the restaurant.
In this sentence, 'Indian' ('Inder' in German) serves as a noun referring to someone's nationality or ethnicity.