India recorded 1.72 million deaths linked to air pollution pollution in 2022, marking a 38% surge since 2010. The 2025 Global Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change revealed that fossil fuel dependence and weak clean-energy transition continue to endanger millions, causing severe health and economic losses across the country.

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• 1.72 million deaths 1.72 million deaths in 2022 tied to air pollution; 38% higher than 2010
• Fossil fuels caused nearly half these deaths, including 3.94 lakh from coal burning
• Economic loss from outdoor air pollution: USD 339.4 billion, about 9.5% of GDP
• India spent USD 48.5 billion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, exceeding carbon revenue
• 72% of electricity and half of total energy still powered by coal
• Rural households rely on wood, dung, and crop waste for 58% of energy use
• Average Indian endured 19.8 heatwave days in 2024; 6.6 days due to human-driven climate change
• Country lost 247 billion labour hours in 2024, worth USD 194 billion; agriculture hit worst
• Severe droughts up 138% since 1950s; one-third of India faces annual dry months
• Coastal vulnerability rising — 18 million people live within one metre of sea level
• Clean energy preparedness slipped 2% in 2024; fossil fuels still dominate road transport (96%)