India’s Climate Commitments: Analyzing the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions

When world leaders gathered in Paris in December 2015 for the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21), they signed a landmark agreement that would reshape global climate action. For India, this meant crafting its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), a comprehensive roadmap for climate action that balances economic development with environmental responsibility. These commitments have since evolved, been updated, and in many cases achieved ahead of schedule, making India’s climate journey worth examining closely.

The Paris Agreement and how India developed its INDCs 🔗

The Paris Agreement was adopted in November-December 2015, with 195 participating countries negotiating and agreeing to limit global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Countries were required to submit their nationally determined contributions outlining climate actions for the post-2020 period.

India’s approach to developing its INDC was notably inclusive. The government conducted extensive consultations involving multiple ministries, NITI Aayog (the policy think tank), state governments, industry associations, civil society groups, and academic institutions. These consultations culminated in Prime Minister-level discussions that drew from India’s existing climate action plans and development priorities.

India submitted its Intended NDC to the UNFCCC on October 2, 2015, comprising eight goals with three quantitative targets extending to 2030. The development process ensured that climate commitments aligned with the country’s developmental needs while upholding principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

India’s eight INDC goals explained 🔗

India’s original submission to the UNFCCC contained eight distinct goals that formed the backbone of its climate strategy. These commitments were later updated in August 2022 to reflect enhanced ambitions:

Promoting sustainable lifestyles 🔗

India committed to propagating healthy and sustainable living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation. The updated NDC expanded this to include a mass movement for ‘LIFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment), recognising that individual choices play a significant role in addressing climate change.

Cleaner economic development path 🔗

The second goal focuses on adopting a climate-friendly development trajectory, one that is cleaner than paths followed by developed nations at comparable stages of economic development.

Reducing emissions intensity 🔗

India initially pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels. This was subsequently enhanced to 45% in the 2022 update. Notably, India has already achieved a 33% reduction in emissions intensity between 2005 and 2019, meeting the original target well ahead of schedule.

Non-fossil fuel energy capacity 🔗

The original target aimed for 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. The updated NDC raised this to 50% by 2030. As of October 2023, non-fossil fuel sources already accounted for 43.81% of total installed capacity, meaning India achieved its original target ahead of time.

Creating carbon sinks 🔗

India committed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030. This target has remained unchanged in subsequent updates and represents a significant challenge requiring sustained afforestation efforts.

Climate adaptation strategies 🔗

The sixth goal involves enhancing investments in climate-sensitive sectors including agriculture, water resources, Himalayan regions, coastal areas, health, and disaster management.

Climate finance mobilisation 🔗

India aims to mobilise domestic and international funds, including from developed countries, to implement mitigation and adaptation actions.

Technology transfer and capacity building 🔗

The final goal focuses on building capacities and creating frameworks for diffusion of cutting-edge climate technology, including collaborative research and development.

The National Action Plan on Climate Change and its eight missions 🔗

The Government of India launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) on June 30, 2008, well before the Paris Agreement. This framework outlined eight national missions that continue to guide India’s climate action:

National Solar Mission 🔗

Launched in 2010 as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, this initiative promotes solar energy development. The original target of 20,000 MW was revised upward to 100 GW by 2022. India’s total installed solar capacity now stands at 105.65 GW, demonstrating remarkable progress in solar deployment.

National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency 🔗

This mission, approved in 2010, established India’s energy efficiency potential at approximately Rs. 74,000 crores. It includes initiatives like the Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme for energy-intensive industries and the UJALA programme promoting LED lighting, which alone reduces emissions by 40 million tonnes annually.

National Mission on Sustainable Habitat 🔗

This mission focuses on improving energy efficiency in buildings, better urban planning, efficient public transport, and improved management of solid and liquid waste. It supports programmes like AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission.

National Water Mission 🔗

The mission aims to improve water use efficiency by 20% through comprehensive water database development, assessment of climate change impacts on water resources, and mapping of all water bodies in India.

National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem 🔗

This mission, coordinated by the Department of Science and Technology, focuses on scientifically assessing the vulnerability of Himalayan regions to climate change and continuously monitoring the health status of this critical ecosystem.

National Mission for a Green India 🔗

Also known as the Green India Mission, this initiative targets afforestation of 6 million hectares. It puts greening in the context of climate adaptation and mitigation, aiming to enhance ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, hydrological services, and biodiversity.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture 🔗

This mission promotes climate-resilient agricultural practices, including soil health management, integrated nutrient management, and efficient water use through programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change 🔗

This mission advances climate science research by forming knowledge networks among research institutions, establishing technology watch groups, and developing national capacity for modelling regional climate change impacts.

Recent government initiatives driving climate action 🔗

Beyond the formal NAPCC framework, India has implemented numerous initiatives supporting its climate commitments:

Renewable energy expansion 🔗

In 2024, India witnessed a more than twofold increase in solar installations and a 21% rise in wind installations compared to 2023. The country added 24.5 GW of solar and 3.4 GW of wind capacity during the year. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu led the way, accounting for 71% of utility-scale solar installations.

India’s total renewable energy capacity reached 217.62 GW as of January 2025, with the country committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has facilitated 7 lakh rooftop solar installations, while the off-grid solar sector saw a 182% surge in 2024.

Transportation and urban initiatives 🔗

The Delhi Metro and similar urban transit projects have significantly reduced emissions in major cities. The Smart Cities Mission promotes sustainable urban development, while the Green Highways Policy encourages tree plantation along national highways.

Industrial programmes 🔗

The Zero Effect Zero Defect (ZED) manufacturing initiative encourages industries to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Fuel efficiency standards for vehicles have been progressively tightened, and the Smart Grid Mission improves electricity distribution efficiency.

Climate finance mechanisms 🔗

India has established a National Adaptation Fund and increased the coal cess to fund clean energy initiatives. Tax-free infrastructure bonds support renewable energy projects, though India’s climate actions have largely been financed from domestic resources. The country has also reduced fossil fuel subsidies progressively.

Progress and achievements so far 🔗

India has surpassed 50% non-fossil installed capacity, achieving its conditional NDC target well ahead of the 2030 deadline. Record investment in renewables showed a 91.5% increase between 2023 and 2024, with over 73 GW of utility-scale solar and wind capacity currently tendered.

The Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) and climate change centres in Himalayan regions support knowledge management and research. State Action Plans on Climate Change have been developed across India, aligning local efforts with national goals.

However, challenges remain. While generation share of non-fossil sources has grown, it remains at around 25%, with coal still accounting for approximately 75% of electricity generation. India continues to expand coal capacity to meet growing energy demand, even as renewable deployment accelerates.

The path toward net zero by 2070 🔗

The updated NDC marks an important step toward achieving India’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. At COP26 in Glasgow, Prime Minister Modi announced the ‘Panchamrit’ (five nectar elements) of India’s enhanced climate action, which translated into updated NDC targets.

A new framework for transition to cleaner energy during 2021-2030 aims to increase green jobs, boost manufacturing of low-emission products like electric vehicles and super-efficient appliances, and promote innovative technologies such as green hydrogen. Indian Railways alone, with its net-zero target by 2030, is expected to reduce emissions by 60 million tonnes annually.

India continues to stress the importance of climate finance from developed countries and technology transfer, maintaining that its commitments reflect the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. According to analysis by Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, India could meet its emissions intensity reduction target within the next few years, well before the 2030 deadline.

What do you think? Given India’s unique position as a developing nation with massive energy needs, how should the international community support its climate transition? And can India’s model of balancing economic growth with environmental goals offer lessons for other emerging economies?

References

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