Tobacco industry’s political contributions in conflict with WHO FCTC Article 5.3 Guidelines: an analysis of publicly available documents from India

BACKGROUND: Tobacco industry tactics that have proven effective in the past, such as using corporate social responsibility initiatives to curry favour with policymakers, have been examined in India. However, reporting the tobacco industry's financial contributions to political parties must be closely monitored, and their reporting made transparent. METHODS: Document analysis was conducted for: (i) 'recognised' national and state political parties in India (as on 15 May 2023), (ii) Electoral Trusts listed by Central Board of Direct Taxes, and (iii) Electoral Bonds, available from the Election Commission of India (ECI) website. Annual contributions from top four publicly listed companies (Bombay Stock Exchange 'Top 2000 Companies 2023') and one major non-listed smokeless tobacco company-along with their subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures-were examined. Contribution pathways included direct transfers or indirect routes via Electoral Trusts and Electoral Bonds, spanning 2013-2014 to 2022-2023. RESULTS: A total of 485 (62.2%) of the 780 expected reports of parties and Trusts were available on ECI website. These were analysed for contributions by 103 tobacco companies and their affiliated entities. Tobacco companies had contributed more than US$ 65 million to 17 political parties between 2013 and 2023. The largest contributors were ITC Limited and its subsidiaries-ITC Infotech India and Russell Credit. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents a less-discussed area in the Indian landscape of tobacco industry interference and highlights the pressing need for comprehensive implementation of the WHO-Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3, to prohibit financial contributions by tobacco companies to political parties in India, and ultimately protect public health.