Highlights

• Sixteen million died prematurely due to noncommunicable diseases (NCD)—3.4 million in India, the highest worldwide.
• Financial commitments to NCD do not match the increasing political commitment.
• India’s tax-to-gross domestic product ratio is lower than its BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) counterparts and half of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) average.
• Governments levy sin taxes to inhibit NCD risk factors and expand revenue base.
• Revenue from sin taxes is usually not earmarked for health or NCD particularly.