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India's Life Expectancy Outpaces Pakistan, But Healthy Years Lag Behind
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Firstpost•05-10-2026, 12:16
India's Life Expectancy Outpaces Pakistan, But Healthy Years Lag Behind
- •India's life expectancy reached 71 years in 2023, surpassing Pakistan's 68.2 years, according to the World Health Organization.
- •Bangladesh leads both countries with a life expectancy of 72.7 years, highlighting regional disparities.
- •While India's overall life expectancy has recovered post-COVID-19, healthy life expectancy has lagged, indicating a challenge in ensuring longer lives without prolonged illness.
- •Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in both India and Pakistan, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being a more significant cause in India.
- •Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for nearly 75% of deaths from the top 10 causes in India, a significant shift from 2000 when communicable diseases dominated.
Key Questions Answered
According to World Health Organization estimates, India's life expectancy reached 71 years in 2023, while Pakistan recorded a lower figure of 68.2 years.
India's healthy life expectancy was 60.6 years in 2023, which is considerably lower than the country's overall average life expectancy of 71 years.
Non-communicable diseases dominate India's mortality causes, with ischaemic heart disease ranking first at 138.5 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and diabetes.
