NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031–2035, significantly enhancing the country’s climate commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, while reaffirming its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Announcing the decision, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said the revised targets are closely aligned with India’s broader development vision.
“India’s NDC for 2031–35 is guided by the vision of Viksit Bharat, which is not just a goal for 2047, but a commitment to act today to build a prosperous and climate-resilient Bharat for future generations,” he told reporters.
Under the updated commitments, India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47 per cent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels, marking a significant step up from earlier targets.
The country will also aim to achieve 60 per cent of its installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035. Additionally, India has committed to creating a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through expanded forest and tree cover.
The new targets build on India’s earlier climate commitments submitted in 2015, which laid the foundation for emissions reduction and a transition to cleaner energy.
Government data show that India has already reduced emissions intensity by 36 per cent between 2005 and 2020, while surpassing 52 per cent non-fossil fuel capacity in installed electricity generation by early 2026—achievements that came well ahead of schedule.
Officials said the updated NDC underscores India’s consistent performance in meeting climate goals and signals a readiness to scale up ambition further.
“India’s successive climate targets build upon earlier commitments, many of which have already been achieved ahead of schedule,” Vaishnaw said, adding that the new goals are both “ambitious and achievable.”
The government also emphasised that its climate strategy balances emission reduction with adaptation efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions. Initiatives such as mangrove restoration along coastlines, early warning systems for extreme weather events, glacier monitoring in Himalayan areas, and heat action plans across states form a critical part of this approach.
India’s broader climate framework is being implemented through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and state-level plans, alongside major initiatives in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable agriculture.
International partnerships, including the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, continue to support its global engagement on climate issues.
The revised NDC also highlights a people-centric approach through programmes like “Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE),” aimed at promoting sustainable consumption habits. The government said the transition to a low-carbon economy is expected to create new opportunities, especially for youth and women.
Developed through extensive consultations led by NITI Aayog, the updated targets are grounded in the principle of equity and “common but differentiated responsibilities.” The process brought together ministries, industry stakeholders, and civil society groups to ensure that climate action remains aligned with national priorities such as energy security, economic growth, and livelihood protection.
The Cabinet’s decision marks a significant milestone in India’s climate policy, reinforcing its role as a key player in global efforts to tackle climate change while maintaining a balance between environmental responsibility and developmental needs.
Agencies