India’s life expectancy at birth stood at 71 years in 2023, higher than Pakistan’s 68.2 years but lower than Bangladesh’s 72.2 years, according to the latest WHO data. 3 Min Read Indians are likely to live longer than Pakistanis but a few years less than Bangladeshis, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The report, published on Friday, also highlights the health challenges facing the three South Asian countries, including the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and persistent rise in infectious illnesses. According to the WHO data, India’s life expectancy at birth was 71 years in 2023, as against 68.2 years in Pakistan and 72.2 years in Bangladesh.
A longer life expectancy, however, does not necessarily mean that people spend those additional years in good health. South Asia vs high-income nations The latest WHO Global Health Estimates highlight a significant gap between life expectancy in South Asian countries and high-income nations such as the US and Canada. The average life expectancy in the US was 78.5 years, while Canada recorded 81.4 years.
In comparison, the global average life expectancy stood at 73.3 years. Among the three South Asian countries, Bangladesh recorded the highest life expectancy at 72.2 years, followed by India at 71 years and Pakistan at 68.2 years. India Vs Pakistan: Health parameters While Indians live nearly three years longer than Pakistanis on average, the healthy life expectancy (HALE) of the country was considerably lower than its overall life expectancy.
India’s HALE stood at 60.6 years in 2023, compared to 60.5 years in 2019. The data suggests that people in both countries spend a significant portion of their later years dealing with a significant loss of health, chronic illnesses or disability. Leading causes of death India and Pakistan face a similar shift in their disease burden, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes emerging as major causes of death.
In India, NCDs now drive 75% of all deaths among the top ten causes. Ischaemic Heart Disease: The WHO reported that Ischaemic heart disease remains the leading cause of mortality in both India and Pakistan. Stroke: Stroke ranks second in Pakistan and third in India.
Diabetes Mellitus: The risk of dying from diabetes mellitus has also increased significantly in both countries since 2000. Where India and Pakistan differ India has a particularly high burden of respiratory diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranks among the leading causes of death in India, with air pollution contributing to the respiratory health burden.
Pakistan, meanwhile, faces a heavier burden from complications linked to childbirth and early life. Low birth weight and birth trauma feature higher among Pakistan’s leading causes of death than in India. The two countries also continue to face infectious diseases.
Tuberculosis remains a significant cause of death in India, while Pakistan has a relatively higher burden from severe diarrhoeal diseases due to challenges related to sanitation and access to safe water. Overall, the WHO findings show that while India has made progress in extending life expectancy, the country still faces a considerable gap between living longer and living healthier. (Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani) First Published: Oct 5, 2026 9:50 AM IST Home World News Indians live longer than Pakistanis: What WHO report says on life expectancy and leading causes of death
Source: CNBC TV18
