India is set to present an expanded set of climate commitments through 2035, alongside its first Biennial Transparency Report, next month. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav made this significant announcement during the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, reinforcing India's strong commitment to global climate action.
India's Impressive Climate Progress
The minister revealed that India's emissions intensity has declined by over 36% since 2005, marking substantial progress in the country's climate efforts. Even more notably, non-fossil sources now constitute more than half of India's total electric power installed capacity, which currently stands at approximately 256 GW.
This achievement represents a major milestone, as India has reached one of its key Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets a full five years ahead of the 2030 deadline. NDCs are climate action plans that countries submit to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change under the Paris Agreement, outlining their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
Global Leadership and Future Targets
In his statement, Minister Yadav emphasized India's global leadership in climate initiatives, pointing to the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance as evidence of the country's commitment. He also highlighted the momentum generated by the Nuclear Mission and Green Hydrogen Mission in advancing India's path toward its net zero by 2070 goal.
The minister didn't hesitate to call on developed nations to demonstrate greater climate ambition. "Developed countries must reach net zero far earlier than current target dates and deliver new, additional, and concessional climate finance at a scale of trillions, not billions," Yadav stated firmly.
Expert Reactions and Industry Collaboration
Dr. Chandra Bhushan, CEO of iFOREST, expressed enthusiasm about India's upcoming revised NDCs. "It is heartening to know that India will soon release its revised NDCs. This announcement puts to rest unnecessary speculation about India's commitment to the Paris Agreement," he commented.
R.R. Rashmi, distinguished fellow at TERI, noted that India's strong performance regarding current NDCs reinforces its position as a global climate leader. He added that the new NDC is expected to raise targets further, sending positive signals to domestic and international investors interested in clean energy investments in India.
The minister also highlighted successful international collaborations, including the LeadIT initiative launched jointly by India and Sweden in 2019. This partnership has grown to include 18 member countries and 27 companies, successfully elevating industrial transition on the global climate agenda.
Through the Industry Transition Platform, established with joint funding from India and Sweden, 18 industries and research institutions from both countries will soon initiate projects focusing on value-creation from industrial by-products, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen-based industrial heating.
