India’s Population to Stabilise by 2080: What the Historic Shift Means for the Future
India is entering a historic demographic transition. According to recent projections, the country’s population is expected to stabilise by 2080 , reaching around 1.8–1.9 billion . This shift marks a major milestone, driven primarily by a steady decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) . From 3.5 in 2000 , India’s TFR has now dropped to 1.9 , slipping below the replacement level of 2.1. This decline reflects improvements in education, women’s empowerment, healthcare access, and urbanisation. States like Kerala (≈1.5) and West Bengal (1.3) are leading this demographic shift, showcasing sharp reductions in fertility and rising social awareness. Population stabilisation brings both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, a slower-growing population can ease pressure on resources, infrastructure, and public services. It creates room for sustainable development and higher per-capita income. On the other hand, India will need to prepare for an ageing population, potential workfor...