Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Experts Urge India to Review Nicotine Evidence Independently
Experts in India are calling for the country to review evidence about nicotine products independently.
They want to see if non-combustible alternatives, like those used in countries such as Sweden and the UK, could help reduce smoking rates in India.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is seen as the best body to lead this review.
Some experts argue that this review could help provide alternatives for adult smokers while protecting young people from tobacco use.
Critics worry that this could lead to more young people using tobacco.
The goal is to use science to make the best decisions for public health in India, similar to how the country handled COVID-19.
Experts urge India to conduct an independent review of nicotine evidence to adapt global findings to its context.
Countries like Sweden and the UK have reduced smoking rates through non-combustible alternatives.
The ICMR is seen as the best body to lead this review due to its credibility and experience.
Proponents argue that calibrated governance can protect youth while providing alternatives for adult smokers.
Critics express concern that such a review could lead to increased youth tobacco use.
- Who
- Indian experts and researchers, including Dr. Mohsin Wali and Dr. Chandrakant S. Pandav
- What
- Call for an independent review of nicotine evidence in India
- When
- Following the FDA's authorization of modified-risk claims for non-combustible nicotine products
- Where
- India
- Why
- To adapt global findings to India's context and reduce the country's significant tobacco burden
Proponents of Independent Review
Critics of Modified-Risk Claims
Need for Independent Analysis
Proponents of Independent Review
Proponents argue that India should conduct an independent review of nicotine evidence to adapt global findings to its own context, citing the success of countries like Sweden and the UK in reducing smoking rates through non-combustible alternatives.
Critics of Modified-Risk Claims
Critics express concern that such a review could lead to the endorsement of modified-risk products, potentially increasing youth uptake and undermining tobacco control efforts.
Impact on Youth Tobacco Use
Proponents of Independent Review
Supporters point to the U.S. experience where youth tobacco use declined significantly after the FDA authorized modified-risk claims, suggesting that calibrated governance can protect young people while providing alternatives for adult consumers.
Critics of Modified-Risk Claims
Opponents argue that any discussion or endorsement of modified-risk products will inevitably lead to increased youth tobacco use, despite evidence to the contrary from other countries.
- Countries with Reduced Smoking Rates
- Sweden, United Kingdom, Japan, Norway
- U.S. Youth Tobacco Use Decline
- From 23.3% in 2019 to 7.5% in 2025
- India's Tobacco Burden
- 267 million users
- ICMR's Role
- India's apex biomedical research body
- Dr. Mohsin Wali
- Senior Consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
- Dr. Chandrakant S. Pandav
- Former Professor & Head of the Department – Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS New Delhi