A 2019 study reveals India's economic burden of suicide to be over $16.7 billion, with a significant impact on young adults aged 20-34, who  account for 53% of this cost.

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra alone contribute nearly 45% of this burden, reflecting high suicide rates and economic loss.

The financial toll on females was notably higher than males in 20 Indian states and Union Territories, underscoring gendered      vulnerabilities.

The study calls for intersectoral efforts across finance, youth, and rural development ministries to reduce the suicide burden.

Emphasizing the cost of inaction, the authors advocate for strengthened funding and interventional strategies under India’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS).