Tobacco use continues to decline

Tobacco use has fallen by around half since 2000, marking major progress for public health and reducing the future burden of tobacco-related disease in India.

“This recent decline in smoking rates will result in fewer deaths in the future,” said Hannah Ritchie, Deputy Editor and Research Lead at Our World in Data.

The share of adults using any form of tobacco fell from almost 50% in 2000 to 24% in 2022, while smoking declined from about 19% to 10% over the same period. The reduction has been seen among both men and women, setting India apart from countries where smoking rates have risen among women. With smoking contributing to almost one million premature deaths each year, the sustained decline is expected to save many lives in the decades ahead while also reducing illnesses linked to smokeless tobacco, including oral and throat cancers.