Soil, a dynamic amalgamation of mineral and organic matter, is essential for plant growth and the sustenance of life on Earth. Formed over millennia through interactions among parent material, climate, biota, topography, and time, soil is a crucial resource that is increasingly threatened by both natural processes and human activities. This review examines the confluence of land use and climate change as primary drivers of soil erosion, with a focus on India’s hilly terrain, where intensive agricultural practices, such as viticulture, are major contributors to soil loss and degradation. Widespread deforestation and unsustainable land management practices have further exacerbated erosion, affecting over 175 million hectares of land across the country.In addition to reviewing soil erosion estimation techniques, this paper highlights the complex interplay between climate change and soil erosion. Climate change amplifies soil degradation through shifts in rainfall patterns and extreme weather events, creating significant challenges for India’s environment, agriculture, and rural communities. The paper also evaluates key soil conservation policies and initiatives implemented by India, including the Soil Health Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, which aim to promote sustainable land management, improve soil health, and mitigate climate-related soil degradation. By providing a critical assessment of erosion estimation models and evaluating India’s policy efforts, this review offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and land managers. Understanding the interlinkages between land use, climate change, and soil erosion is essential for developing and implementing effective strategies to conserve this vital resource and safeguard India’s soils for future generations.