India's population is set to hit 1.46 billion in 2025, keeping it the world's most populated country. But a new report from the United Nations (UN) brings interesting news: Indian women are now having fewer children on average.

The UN's "State of World Population (SOWP) Report 2025" says India's total fertility rate has dropped to 1.9 births per woman. This is below the "replacement rate" of 2.1, meaning women are having slightly fewer children than what's needed to keep the population stable without people moving in from other countries.

What's the real problem?

The report argues that the real issue isn't about too many or too few people. Instead, it's about making sure everyone has the freedom to decide about their bodies and families. This means having control over things like sex, birth control, and when to start a family. Even with fewer births, India still has a large young population: 24% are aged 0-14, 17% are aged 10-19, and 26% are aged 10-24.

Why fewer babies?

Over the years, better education, easier access to reproductive healthcare, and women having a bigger say in their lives have all contributed to this change. On average, an Indian woman now has about two children.

While women in India have more rights and choices than their mothers or grandmothers, the report emphasizes that they still need more power to decide how many children they want, if any, and when.

India's opportunity

The UN report places India among countries experiencing fast population changes, estimating it will take about 79 years for its population to double.

Andrea M Wojnar, who represents the UNFPA in India, noted that India has done well in reducing birth rates, dropping from nearly five children per woman in 1970 to about two today. This progress, thanks to improved education and healthcare, has also led to a big drop in mothers dying during childbirth.

"The real benefit comes when everyone has the freedom and ability to make informed choices about having children," she said. "India has a unique chance to show how reproductive rights and economic growth can go hand in hand."