This article discusses the fact that 10% of the worlds suicides take place in just three countries on the Indian subcontinent: India, Sri Lanka & Pakistan. Different traits from western suicides are compared in the article, such as the high use of organophosphate insecticides, larger numbers of married women, fewer elderly subjects & interpersonal relationship problems, & life events as suicidal risk factors. The need for suicideology to address culture specific risk factors associated with suicide is also debated. The issue of poverty & overpopulation as contributing factors to suicide on the Indian subcontinent is discussed also. (21 refs.) (AK)