Our research has contributed to a deeper understanding of suicide as a preventable public health challenge in India and globally. By combining epidemiological analyses, surveillance data, health systems research, and policy engagement, we have generated evidence that informs national priorities and global thinking on suicide prevention.  Our work has demonstrated that:

• Suicide is a major, yet preventable, cause of premature mortality: Reliable measurement of suicide burden is fundamental to designing effective prevention strategies and monitoring progress.
• Suicide extends beyond mental health alone: Our research has highlighted the critical role of social determinants—including gender inequality, economic insecurity, family circumstances, occupational stress, interpersonal violence, and access to means—in shaping suicide risk, reinforcing the need for multisectoral prevention approaches.
• Women in India experience distinct patterns and drivers of suicide: By analysing national surveillance data, we have identified important differences in sociodemographic characteristics, methods, and reported reasons for suicide among women, providing evidence to support gender-responsive prevention strategies.
• High-quality data are essential for effective action: Our work has identified limitations in suicide reporting and surveillance, including underreporting and inconsistencies in administrative data, underscoring the need for stronger mortality surveillance systems and improved data quality.
• Suicide prevention requires a public health approach: We have contributed to advancing the understanding that effective prevention extends beyond healthcare and must include coordinated action across education, labour, justice, social welfare, media, and community sectors to address upstream determinants.
• Responsible media reporting can save lives: Our research has examined how suicide is portrayed in the media and highlighted opportunities to strengthen adherence to responsible reporting guidelines while incorporating the perspectives of people bereaved by suicide.
• Evidence must translate into policy and practice: Our work has informed national and international discussions on suicide prevention by supporting stronger surveillance systems, evidence-based policies, and implementation of interventions that are contextually relevant for low- and middle-income countries.
• Suicide prevention demands collaboration across disciplines: We advocate for integrating public health, mental health, social sciences, injury prevention, and policy research to develop comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable prevention strategies.

Together, these contributions have helped shift the conversation from viewing suicide primarily as an individual mental health issue towards recognising it as a complex, preventable public health challenge shaped by social, economic, cultural, and health system factors.