New NDC Commitments Reflect India’s Climate Leadership

New NDC Commitments Reflect India‘s Climate Leadership

RITURAJ PHUKAN

The Union Cabinet recently approved India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031 to 2035, committing to reduce the country’s ‘Emissions Intensity’ of its GDP by 47 percent by 2035 compared to the 2005 levels.India also declared its commitment to achieve 60 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035. The country will also create additional carbon sinks of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forestation in the same period.

The Paris Agreement requires each country to outline and communicate their post-2020 climate actions, known as their NDCs. NDCs are submitted every five years to the UNFCCC secretariat. The Paris Agreement also requires that successive NDCs will represent a progression compared to the country’s previous NDC and reflect its highest possible ambition. India’s enhanced NDC commitments are therefore aligned with its commitment as a signatory to the Paris Agreement and the stated goal of Net Zero emissions by 2070, while also adhering to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

It must be mentioned here that India’s first NDC of 2015targets of 33–35% reduction in the emissions intensity of GDP and 40% share of non-fossil resources based electric power installed capacity by 2030 both of which were achieved years before the committed timelines. The 35% reduction in emissions intensity target was achieved in 2019, i.e.,11 years ahead of the committed time, while the installed non-fossil fuel-basedpower targets were 9 years early.

When formulating India’s NDC for 2031–2035, the Government has taken into account the results of the first Global Stocktake (GST), the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), as well as equity. This approach aims to balance national circumstances, developmental objectives, energy security, and the aspiration for enhanced climate action, in alignment with the purpose and long-term targets of the Paris Agreement.

The 2031-35NDCs aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat for 2047, aiming to establish a prosperous and climate-resilient nation for future generations. It reaffirms dedication to sustainable development and climate justice. The five qualitative targets are designed to integrate sustainability into daily practices and governance structures, advance climate-resilient development strategies, and facilitate an equitable and inclusive transition for all segments of society.

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The country’s climate strategy is carried out through various initiatives, such as expanding renewable energy on a large scale, developing battery storage systems, and creating green energy corridors. Additional measures include promoting cleaner manufacturing and ensuring reliable, sustainable infrastructure nationwide. The strategy also focuses on building stronger institutional capacity, fostering innovation ecosystems, and supporting local adaptation efforts, all while integrating climate considerations into major economic sectors.

India has launched effective initiatives the Green Hydrogen Mission, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam UtthaanMahabhiyan) while advocating for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) measures and nuclear energy. India is also pursuing a positive climate action agenda by forging partnerships through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Global Bio-fuel Alliance (GBA) and Leadership Group for Industry Transition (Lead-IT) etc.

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India has prioritised adaptation and disaster resilience measures, including the protection of vulnerable coastlines through mangrove restoration, coastal regulations, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. The country has also implemented advanced early warning systems for cyclones and storm surges, targeted initiatives for glacier monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihood programmes in Himalayan states. Additionally, India is focusing on climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with landslides and glacial lake outburst floods, and has introduced Heat Action Plans across various states, while strengthening community-based disaster preparedness and resilience efforts.

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India puts its Climate Action framework into practice through the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and its nine national missions, along with State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC). This framework works together with various central and state government schemes and programs, allowing for a unified, government-wide approach to climate-resilient and low-carbon development.

At the grassroots. India’s climate initiatives are operationalised through a range of programmes and schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Habitat, MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), National Disaster Management Plan, Soil Health Card, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).India’s climate initiatives focus on the “Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)” principle, aiming to make sustainable living a widespread movement.

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India’s updated climate commitments are the result of comprehensive stakeholder consultations and thorough analysis by ten working groups under NITI Aayog. These groups included Central Ministries, domain specialists, industry associations, and civil society organizations. Sector-specific recommendations were rigorously evaluated across energy, industry, transport, agriculture, water, and urban development, ensuring that the revised targets are both ambitious and realistically grounded in national capabilities. This process fostered a collaborative approach, integrating government and societal perspectives to align development priorities with climate objectives. The inclusive methodology underscores India’s dedication to participatory climate policy, while maintaining focus on growth, livelihoods, and energy and food security.

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India has maintained a consistent and ambitious approach to climate action, consistently meeting its targets ahead of schedule. This track record inspires confidence in India’s ability to fulfil future commitments and highlights the nation’s dedication to strong climate measures. Through clear policy direction, technological advancements, and widespread public involvement, India continues to show that economic development can occur alongside environmental stewardship. These new commitments will further cement India’s climate leadership at a time when raging wars and geopolitical machinations have undermined years, if not decades, of progress in climate negotiations and tangible results.

RITURAJ PHUKAN : Founder, Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum; Co-Founder, Smily Academy ;National Coordinator for Biodiversity, The Climate Reality Project India; Member, IUCN Wilderness Specialist Group; Commission Member – IUCN WCPA Climate Change, IUCN WCPA Connectivity Conservation, IUCN WCPA Indigenous People and Protected Areas Specialist Groups, IUCN WCPA South Asia Region and IUCN WCPA-SSC Invasive Alien Species Task Force; Member, International Antarctic Expedition 2013; Climate Force Arctic 2019 ; Ambassador, Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary. Rituraj Phukan is the Climate Editor, Mahabahu and the  Convenor, Mahabahu Climate Forum.

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