India continues to make significant strides in its climate commitments, as reflected in its latest environmental reports and policy initiatives. According to the country’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India has already achieved a 36% reduction in the emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2020. This progress puts the nation well on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of a 45% reduction by 2030. Additionally, non-fossil fuel sources now account for 47.1% of India’s total installed electricity generation capacity, edging closer to the 50% target set for the end of the decade. The expansion of forest and tree cover has also contributed to an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes, bringing the country within reach of its goal of 2.5–3.0 billion tonnes by 2030.
Recognizing the need for structured carbon management, India amended the Energy Conservation Act in 2022 to establish a domestic carbon market. This led to the introduction of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), which enables industries to earn carbon credit certificates through compliance and offset mechanisms. To ensure a smooth transition, the government has identified nine energy-intensive sectors—including aluminium, cement, steel, and fertilisers—for inclusion under the compliance mechanism. Additionally, ten broader sectors, such as energy, waste management, agriculture, and forestry, have been approved under the offset mechanism, promoting a holistic approach to emissions reduction.
India’s commitment to global climate action is further reflected in its efforts to foster international cooperation. The government has established multiple partnerships with countries across renewable energy, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience initiatives. At the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in March 2024, India successfully pushed for a resolution on sustainable lifestyles, co-sponsored by Sri Lanka and Bolivia. This initiative aligns with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), an Indian-led global movement advocating for sustainable consumption and conservation of resources.
In August 2024, India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, bringing together 18 nations and an international bank to discuss sustainable development challenges. The discussions emphasized the need for climate justice, increased financial support for developing nations, and stronger technology-sharing frameworks. India also continues to enhance regional energy cooperation, with agreements enabling the export of 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal to India over the next decade, alongside existing energy collaborations with Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
These efforts underscore India’s dedication to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. With strong policy measures, expanding renewable energy adoption, and global leadership in sustainability initiatives, the country is steadily advancing toward its climate goals while advocating for a more equitable global approach to environmental action.
