Even though India is considered an emerging economy, economic and social gaps are pronounced and high levels of poverty, illiteracy, pandemics and malnutrition persist throughout the country, especially affecting the child population.

Overpopulation accentuates progressive soil erosion and desertification processes and this, coupled with air and water pollution, greatly hinders development. The lack of education, especially among women, and insufficient health care coverage represent two of the country's main problems.