The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church and affirms papal primacy as defined by Vatican I and clarified by Vatican II. The Pope is understood as the successor of Peter and the head of the universal church. The Syro-Malabar Church is one of the Eastern Catholic rites, and its Major Archbishop holds the rank equivalent to a Cardinal in the Roman Church.

The Syro-Malabar Church maintains its own distinct liturgical tradition, theological emphases, and canon law while remaining in union with Rome. The Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, under the Major Archbishop, governs internal church affairs, but ultimate ecclesial authority resides in communion with the Pope. Major decisions affecting the whole church are made in consultation with Rome.

The church affirms the apostolic succession through ordained bishops and priests. This succession is understood as the transmission of apostolic authority and grace through the laying on of hands in an unbroken chain from the apostles to contemporary bishops. The church's authority is exercised through a hierarchical structure: the Pope, the Major Archbishop, metropolitan archbishops, bishops, and priests. The laity participate in the life of the church but under the guidance of the ordained hierarchy.