
Smoking kills 1.35 million Indians annually
Published on: Sept. 14, 2025, 11:33 a.m. | Source: The Economic Times
Tobacco kills 1.35 million Indians annually, yet quit rates remain low at just 7%. Experts urged science-backed harm reduction strategies, including regulated smoke-free nicotine alternatives. Studies show such products carry far lower risks than smoking. While not risk-free, experts believe they can aid Indias goal of cutting tobacco use by 30% by 2025 under WHO targets.