India’s life expectancy at birth stands at 71 years, according to the World Health Organization’s World Health Statistics 2025 report released on October 2. The figures are based on 2023 data.

Among South Asian neighbours, Bangladesh records 72.7 years and Pakistan 68.2 years. The global average is 73.3 years. Healthy life expectancy in India, the years lived in full health, is estimated at about 58.1 years.

Life expectancy is one of the most widely used measures of a population’s health. It reflects trends in child mortality, infectious diseases, maternal health and chronic illness. India’s figure has improved over decades as vaccination coverage expanded and deaths from preventable diseases fell.

The report also highlights unfinished work. Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes now account for a growing share of deaths, and health experts say preventive care and early screening will shape whether the number rises further in the coming years.