The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035, strengthening commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
India has set the following key targets:
- 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 (from 2005 levels)
- 60% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035
- Creation of an additional carbon sink of 3.5–4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent
India’s Climate Progress: From Achievement to Enhanced Targets
India has demonstrated a strong track record of achieving climate targets ahead of deadlines:
- Emissions intensity reduced by 36% (2005–2020)
- Achieved 52.57% non-fossil fuel capacity (Feb 2026)—target met 5 years early
- Earlier NDC targets (2015):
- 33–35% emissions intensity reduction by 2030
- 40% non-fossil capacity by 2030 (achieved early)
India has also created 2.29 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent carbon sink by 2021, with global recognition by Food and Agriculture Organisation (3rd in net forest gain).
These achievements strengthen India’s pathway towards Net Zero by 2070.
Key Pillars of India’s Climate Strategy
1. Clean Energy and Green Growth
India’s climate action focuses on renewable energy expansion, green infrastructure, and industrial transition. Key initiatives include:
- Green Hydrogen Mission
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
- PLI Schemes for clean manufacturing
- PM-KUSUM Scheme
- Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
- Expansion of nuclear energy
India is also actively engaged in global initiatives such as:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
- LeadIT (Leadership Group for Industry Transition)
2. Climate Adaptation and Resilience
India emphasizes adaptation alongside mitigation, focusing on:
- Mangrove restoration and coastal protection
- Early warning systems for cyclones
- Glacier monitoring and Himalayan ecosystem protection
- Heat Action Plans across states
- Community-based disaster resilience programmes
Implementation is driven through frameworks like:
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
- State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC)
Supported by schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, PMKSY, MISHTI, and National Disaster Management Plan.
3. People-Centric Climate Approach
- India’s climate action is guided by the principle of “Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)”, promoting sustainable living as a mass movement.
- Initiatives like “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” aim to make climate action community-driven and participatory.
Approach Behind NDC (2031–35)
India’s updated NDC is based on:
- Outcomes of the Global Stocktake (GST)
- Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC)
- Balancing development needs, energy security, and climate ambition
The targets were formulated through extensive consultations led by NITI Aayog, involving ministries, industry, experts, and civil society ensuring a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?
NDCs are country-specific climate action plans under the Paris Agreement. They outline efforts to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation)
- Adapt to climate impacts
Key features:
- Submitted every 5 years with increasing ambition
- Aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C (preferably 1.5°C)
- Include targets, policies, and monitoring mechanisms
The Paris Agreement (2015) is a legally binding global treaty, adopted at COP21 and enforced in 2016.