India is poised to become the world’s most populous country, surpassing China, according to the latest UN projections. By mid-2023, India is expected to have 1.429 billion inhabitants, surpassing China by almost three million people. Family planning in India has been problematic, and although sterilization and family planning campaigns were carried out in the 1970s, female sterilization remains the most popular contraceptive method in the country, despite the health risks involved. The Indian population is also younger than China’s, with some 650 million people under the age of 25.
India’s status as the world’s most populous country could reinforce its position as a rising power, which could be an argument for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. However, meeting the needs of such a large population poses significant challenges in terms of the environment and infrastructure. Despite this, India’s abundant and young workforce offers economic advantages, and the country has already become the world’s fastest-growing economy.
The Indian government has been criticized for delaying the population census, which has not been conducted since 2011. The coronavirus pandemic and logistical problems have further delayed the census, prompting accusations that the government has done so on purpose to avoid having to release sensitive data ahead of next year’s national elections. Although India is poised to become the world’s most populous country, there are still significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure that its growing population has access to the resources and services it needs to thrive.