For decades Indians were told they were having too many babies. Now India’s fertility rate has fallen below the replacement rate of 2.1—the average number of babies needed per woman to keep the population stable.

For decades Indians were told they were having too many babies. Now India’s fertility rate has fallen below the replacement rate of 2.1—the average number of babies needed per woman to keep the population stable. Why is the world’s most populous country having a baby bust?… pic.twitter.com/sOhQpexx9W

— The Economist (@TheEconomist) September 14, 2026