The reasoning: epidemiology (dated)
India HIV Estimates 2023 (NACO): about 25 lakh PLHIV; adult (15–49) prevalence ≈ 0.2%; annual new infections ≈ 68,000 (a large decline since 2010); AIDS‑related deaths ≈ 36,000. Prevalence is higher in the north‑east (Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur) and in some southern states. Key populations: FSW, MSM, PWID, hijra/transgender people, migrants and truckers (bridge populations), prisoners.