India Climate Targets: India has approved new climate targets for the period of 2031-2035 under the Paris Agreement, intensifying its commitments on emissions, clean energy, and carbon sinks. This decision comes as the United States exits the global climate framework, and several developed nations reduce their ambitions.
The Union cabinet sanctioned three quantitative goals as part of India’s revised nationally determined contribution (NDC). These targets include a 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 from 2005 levels, a commitment to source 60% of cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035, and an increase in carbon sinks to 3.5-4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035.
India is ahead of its previous schedule, having reduced emissions intensity by 36% between 2005 and 2020. As of February 2026, non-fossil sources accounted for 52.57% of installed capacity, achieving the 2030 target five years early. India had also created 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in carbon sinks by 2021.
The revised NDC aligns with India’s vision of a developed nation by 2047 and its long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. Avantika Goswami from the Centre for Science and Environment highlighted India’s leadership in climate ambition, contrasting with the retreat of developed countries.
Vaibhav Chaturvedi of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water noted the global landscape’s rapid evolution marked by a rollback of climate policies in the north and ongoing conflicts. The 47% emissions intensity target reflects the growing understanding of energy security risks.
The announcement paves the way for a BRICS-led climate action, as emphasized by Dhruba Purkayastha, consultant for the Standing Committee on Finance, UNFCCC. Vibhuti Garg from IEEFA stressed the need for accelerated electrification from clean energy sources to enhance economic resilience.
India remains the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, yet its per capita emissions are below the global average. The global context has shifted, with the US leaving the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Beyond quantitative targets, the cabinet approved five qualitative goals to integrate climate considerations into development planning, including climate-friendly growth and resilient infrastructure. These targets were developed through consultations led by NITI Aayog with various stakeholders.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 26, 2026
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