There’s an alarming rise in suicide rates within the Indian military.

The rising suicide rates in India’s armed forces are not merely a consequence of the usual stresses that come with military service. Instead, they stem from a confluence of more profound, pervasive issues embedded within the military’s rigid culture. This culture often discourages individuals from seeking the mental health support they desperately need. Compounding these struggles are the enduring effects of trauma, whether from combat or other life-altering experiences. The situation is further aggravated by the scarcity of mental health resources and the relentless demands of military life.

According to Ajay Bhatt, India’s Minister of State for Defense, the past five years have seen 148 suicides in the Indian Air Force, 29 in the Navy, and 642 in the Army. Between 2010 and 2019, the Indian Army recorded 1,100 suicides, the highest among India’s defense services. The military loses around 100 servicemen each year to non-combat-related causes, with the Army alone witnessing the loss of 983 soldiers to suicide from 2014 to 2024. During the same period, the Air Force lost 246 personnel, and the Navy lost 96 to suicide. Research by the United Service Institution of India (USI) conducted in 2019 and 2020 underscores this alarming trend, revealing that operational and non-operational roles contribute significantly to elevated stress levels.

While the Indian Army’s suicide rate is less than half of the national average, at 16.5 per 100,000, this statistic belies a more profound crisis. The discrepancy points to the unique pressures faced by military personnel, pressures that lead to a tragic loss of life approximately every three days—an indicator of a severe mental health crisis within the armed forces. Indeed, more Indian soldiers die each year from non-combat-related causes, such as suicides and fratricides, than from the perils of warfare.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are not immune to these troubling trends. Official statistics compiled by Quint reveal 345 suicides and 25 instances of fratricide within the CAPF between 2019 and 2021. Moreover, nearly 47,000 employees voluntarily resigned or retired from their positions between 2016 and 2020. These figures starkly highlight the urgent need to address the significant stress and mental health challenges faced by both military and paramilitary personnel.

Between 2014 and 2021, 708 suicide incidents were recorded among Indian Army troops, a growing concern that cannot be ignored. Contributing factors include prolonged shifts, insufficient rest, and delayed promotions, all placing immense strain on lower-ranking soldiers. Additionally, commanders’ relentless pursuit of perfection, often at the expense of ground realities, further exacerbates this pressure. The widening gap between senior officers and their subordinates only intensifies the problem.

In 2020, a soldier stationed in Jammu and Kashmir took his own life after enduring mistreatment from his superiors. Similarly, a 2019 study revealed that 75% of military personnel work over 12 hours daily, leading to chronic fatigue and stress. These conditions make it clear that addressing these issues is crucial to preventing such tragedies.

The psychological well-being of Indian Army soldiers is severely impacted by extended deployments to remote areas, such as those involving counter-insurgency operations. The situation is worsened by the humiliation and harassment soldiers sometimes face at the hands of their superiors. These stresses are further compounded by unresolved personal issues, such as family disputes over property or money, which often remain unaddressed.

In the past, battalion commanders could intervene to mediate such disputes, but this practice has largely fallen by the wayside. A USI study attributes the poor morale among junior soldiers to leadership indifference, with living conditions—including substandard food and rations—also taking a toll. For instance, in 2020, it was discovered that troops in Jammu and Kashmir were being served spoiled food, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

Immediate reforms are imperative, as these cumulative factors significantly increase the risk of soldiers taking their own lives. The toxic environment created by poor leadership, excessive responsibilities, and insufficient resources has contributed to a disturbing rise in suicides among Indian Army personnel. Morale has plummeted due to pay cuts, diminished status, and limited opportunities for advancement, exacerbated by an opaque and seemingly unjust promotion and posting process. Furthermore, the lack of leave and the insensitive attitudes of civilian officials have deepened the sense of devaluation many soldiers feel.

The unit cohesion has also suffered, as short leadership tenures disrupt the continuity of command. In a tragic instance, a soldier in Rajasthan committed suicide in 2020 after enduring harassment from his superiors—a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for swift and decisive action to address these grave issues.