why mortality rates there are lower than in other countries

[GoodTaste]

The author questions in the form of "why mortality rates there are lower than **in** other countries?"


I wonder whether "why mortality rates there are lower than other countries" works as well. That is, without "in" it seems to me works colloquially or habitually. I am not sure.

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A seeming paradox
Even as millions have fallen ill in India, researchers have struggled to explain why mortality rates there are lower than in other countries.

Source: Science
Will India’s devastating COVID-19 surge provide data that clear up its death ‘paradox’?

 

[jutfrank]

No, it's wrong without in.

there = in India

Mortality rates in India are lower than mortality rates in other countries.