UNFPA: India's future lies in supporting its young population

As India undergoes one of the most significant demographic transitions in its history, the country's greatest opportunity lies not in the size of its population but in the potential of its young people, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).The UN agency, in its latest Lives, Choices and Futures – Demographic Futures Survey, found that young Indians remain largely optimistic about the future despite growing concerns over economic uncertainty, inequality and global conflicts. The findings underscore that while aspirations for family life remain strong, financial and social realities are increasingly influencing major life decisions.
India, home to one of the world's largest youth populations, is witnessing rapid demographic changes driven by shifting age structures, increasing life expectancy and accelerating urbanisation. According to UNFPA, these trends present a historic opportunity to accelerate sustainable development, provided young people have access to quality education, healthcare, employment and equal opportunities.The survey found that nearly 83 per cent of Indian respondents feel positive or very positive about the future, reflecting strong confidence among the country's youth. At the same time, almost 47 per cent expressed serious concerns over economic insecurity, conflicts and widening inequalities, highlighting the challenges that continue to shape their outlook.The findings also reveal a gap between aspirations and reality when it comes to family life. Women aged 18 to 39 reported an ideal family size of 2.1 children, while women aged 35 to 39 had, on average, one child. Similarly, men expressed an ideal family size of 2.2 children, compared with an average of 1.1 children among men in the same age group.
Despite declining fertility rates, the desire for parenthood remains strong. Among respondents aged 35 to 39 who do not currently have children, nearly 85 per cent said they would ideally like to become parents, suggesting that economic stability and social conditions, rather than changing aspirations, are increasingly influencing decisions about starting a family.
"World Population Day reminds us that population is ultimately about people, their lives and their aspirations, not just numbers," said Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative."Young people across India are telling us they remain hopeful about their futures. Our responsibility is to ensure that hope is matched by opportunity. When young people can complete their education, access quality healthcare, find decent work, live free from discrimination and exercise their rights and choices, they are better able to build the lives they aspire to. That strengthens families, communities and India's future," she said.
UNFPA said India's demographic dividend can only be fully realised by expanding opportunities for both young women and men through investments in education, decent employment, accessible healthcare, social protection and gender equality.The agency also stressed the importance of creating a "gender dividend", where young women have equal rights, choices and opportunities to participate in economic and social development. It noted that empowering women would not only strengthen individual lives but also contribute significantly to India's long-term growth.
The survey suggests that across countries with varying demographic realities, young people are not abandoning the idea of relationships or parenthood. Instead, their decisions are increasingly shaped by access to stable jobs, affordable housing, financial security, gender equality and confidence in the future.The findings are based on the 2026 Demographic Futures Survey, which gathered responses from more than 108,000 internet-connected young adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries, including 1,722 respondents from India. UNFPA noted that while the survey reflects the views of internet-connected young adults, it is not nationally representative and should not be interpreted as a population-level estimate.The report reinforces the message that India's demographic future will be determined less by its population size and more by its ability to unlock the aspirations, talents and potential of its young people.
About UNFPA
UNFPA, the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, works to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person can realise their full potential. The agency supports reproductive rights and promotes access to voluntary family planning, quality maternal healthcare and comprehensive sexuality education worldwide.