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India Upholds E-Cigarette Ban, Rejects Philip Morris Lobbying

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

India reaffirmed its ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, rejecting Philip Morris International's lobbying to permit IQOS in the seventh-largest cigarette market.
The health ministry will uphold evidence-based tobacco control, keeping heat-not-burn devices prohibited under the 2019 law.
The Indian Council of Medical Research will not study heated tobacco products, reflecting a government focus on reducing tobacco harm.

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Story summary

India reaffirmed its ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, rejecting Philip Morris International's lobbying to permit IQOS in the seventh-largest cigarette market.
The health ministry will uphold evidence-based tobacco control, keeping heat-not-burn devices prohibited under the 2019 law.
The Indian Council of Medical Research will not study heated tobacco products, reflecting a government focus on reducing tobacco harm.