India mulls over tobacco buying age of 25

The Indian Health Ministry is considering a plan to lift the minimum age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 25, according to a story in the most recent issue of the BBM Bommidala Group newsletter.

Health Secretary Lov Verma said the ministry was writing to the state governments, which are responsible for such matters, asking them to lift the age.

The ministry said also that it would submit further suggestions to the states, including raising VAT on tobacco products and creating greater awareness about the dangers of smoking.