India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0)

The Union Cabinet recently approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for the period 2031–2035. The updated climate action plan will be officially submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change under the Paris Agreement.

India’s updated NDC reflects the country’s commitment to balancing economic development, energy security, and environmental sustainability while following the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

Key Highlights of India’s NDC 3.0

International Climate Commitments

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, India was required to submit an updated NDC by 2025. By December 2025, around 128 countries, representing nearly 78% of global emissions, had already submitted their updated climate commitments. India and Argentina were among the last G-20 countries to submit their revised targets.

India’s updated NDC was influenced by the findings of the Global Stocktake (GST) 2021, which concluded that the world is currently not on track to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated that the new targets aim to balance India’s developmental needs and energy requirements with climate responsibilities.

Targets Under India’s NDC 3.0

Expansion of Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Capacity

One of the major targets under NDC 3.0 is the expansion of non-fossil fuel energy capacity. India has pledged to achieve 60% of its cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035.

These non-fossil sources include:

• Solar energy

• Wind energy

• Hydropower

• Biomass energy

• Nuclear energy

India has already made significant progress in this area. By February 2026, the country had achieved approximately 52.57% non-fossil installed electricity capacity, thereby successfully meeting its earlier target of 50% by 2030 ahead of schedule.

Reduction in Emissions Intensity

India has also committed to reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 47% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.

Emissions intensity refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of economic output. A reduction in emissions intensity indicates that economic growth is becoming cleaner and more energy efficient.

India had already achieved a 36% reduction in emissions intensity by 2020, showing that the country is progressing steadily toward its climate goals and is likely to exceed its earlier target of 45% reduction by 2030.

Enhancement of Carbon Sink

Another important target under NDC 3.0 is the creation of an additional carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover by 2035.

A carbon sink refers to forests or ecosystems that absorb more carbon dioxide than they release, thereby helping reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

As of 2025, India had already created an additional carbon sink of approximately 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover expansion.

This highlights the importance of afforestation and ecosystem conservation in India’s climate strategy.

Significance of India’s NDC 3.0

Global Climate Leadership

India’s updated NDC is significant because it demonstrates strong climate leadership at a time when several developed countries are witnessing a rollback of climate policies and adopting protectionist trade measures.

By strengthening its climate commitments, India is positioning itself as a leading voice of the Global South and reinforcing its commitment to climate multilateralism and international cooperation.

India’s proactive approach enhances its credibility in global climate negotiations and showcases its willingness to contribute meaningfully to global climate action.

Alignment with Long-Term National Goals

India’s NDC 3.0 also acts as an important stepping stone toward the country’s long-term goal of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2070.

The updated targets are aligned with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, which aims to transform India into a developed nation by the centenary year of independence.

India’s Approach Towards Achieving NDC (2031–2035)

Equity and the Principle of CBDR-RC

India’s approach towards achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) is based on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). This principle recognises that all countries share responsibility for addressing climate change, but developed countries have a greater historical responsibility because they contributed more to global greenhouse gas emissions during industrialisation.

Therefore, India argues that climate action must be based on equity, fairness, and national circumstances. India’s climate commitments are designed in a way that protects the country’s developmental priorities, ensures energy security, and supports poverty reduction while also contributing to global climate goals.

This balanced approach allows India to pursue economic growth without ignoring environmental sustainability.

Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach

India is following a whole-of-government and whole-of-society framework for climate action. This means that climate objectives are not confined to environmental policies alone but are integrated into all sectors of governance and development.

Different ministries, state governments, industries, local bodies, and citizens are collectively participating in climate-related efforts. The government is ensuring that climate policies are linked with broader national priorities such as industrial development, employment generation, rural welfare, and infrastructure expansion.

This integrated approach recognises that climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also an economic and social issue that requires collective action from all sections of society.

Integration of Climate Goals Through Government Schemes

India is implementing its climate strategy through several major government initiatives and development programmes.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen is expected to play a major role in decarbonising industries and transportation.

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana promotes rooftop solar energy and encourages households to adopt renewable electricity generation.

Similarly, PM-KUSUM supports farmers by promoting solar-powered irrigation pumps and decentralised renewable energy systems.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are also strengthening domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies such as solar modules, batteries, and electric vehicle components.

Through these initiatives, climate action is being embedded into India’s economic growth strategy.

Adoption of Advanced Technologies

India is increasingly focusing on advanced technologies to reduce emissions and strengthen climate resilience.

The government is promoting Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies, which involve capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industries and either storing them safely underground or reusing them in industrial processes.

India is also expanding its nuclear energy capacity to ensure reliable clean electricity generation. Nuclear power is considered important because it provides stable energy supply without large-scale carbon emissions.

The use of such advanced technologies is expected to help India transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable economy.

India’s International Climate Leadership

India continues to play an active role in promoting global climate cooperation through various international initiatives.

The International Solar Alliance, launched by India, encourages countries to increase the use of solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

India is also a major participant in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which focuses on building infrastructure that can withstand climate-related disasters.

In addition, the Global Biofuels Alliance promotes international cooperation in the development and use of sustainable biofuels.

Through these initiatives, India is strengthening its position as an important climate leader among developing nations and the Global South.

Coastal Protection and Climate Adaptation

India is paying special attention to protecting vulnerable coastal regions from climate-related threats such as cyclones, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion.

The government is promoting mangrove restoration through initiatives like MISHTI. Mangroves act as natural protective barriers against storms and help conserve biodiversity.

India is also strengthening coastal regulation systems and improving early warning systems for cyclones and extreme weather events. These measures are important for reducing disaster risks and protecting coastal communities.

Coordinated Frameworks for Climate Adaptation

India’s climate adaptation efforts are guided by the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Climate adaptation measures are also integrated into grassroots development programmes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, and the Soil Health Card Scheme.

These programmes support sustainable agriculture, water conservation, soil health improvement, and climate-resilient rural development.

Promoting Mass Movements and Sustainable Lifestyles

India’s climate strategy is strongly connected with the idea of Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), which encourages environmentally responsible behaviour and sustainable lifestyles among citizens.

The government is transforming climate action into a mass movement by promoting campaigns such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam’, which encourages people to plant trees and participate in environmental conservation activities.

This approach recognises that climate change cannot be addressed only through government policies and technologies. Individual behavioural changes and public participation are equally important for achieving long-term sustainability.

Challenges in Achieving India’s NDC (2031–2035)

Gap Between Installed Capacity and Actual Electricity Generation

Although non-fossil fuel sources account for more than 52% of India’s installed electricity capacity, they contribute only around 25% of actual electricity generation.

This gap exists because renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are intermittent and dependent on weather conditions. Electricity generation fluctuates when sunlight or wind availability changes.

The absence of large-scale battery storage systems further limits the reliability of renewable energy supply.

Storage and Grid Infrastructure Bottlenecks

India’s renewable energy transition faces major challenges because of inadequate energy storage and transmission infrastructure.

The country lacks affordable large-scale battery storage systems and remains dependent on imported minerals such as lithium, which are essential for battery production.

In addition, renewable energy projects are often located in remote regions, making it difficult to connect them to urban and industrial demand centres. Building modern transmission infrastructure requires massive investment and long-term planning.

Continued Dependence on Coal

Coal still contributes nearly 75% of India’s electricity generation, making it central to India’s energy security and industrial economy.

However, reducing coal use too rapidly could create serious economic and social challenges, especially in coal-dependent states such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Millions of people depend directly or indirectly on coal-related industries for employment and livelihood. In addition, sectors such as steel and cement remain difficult to decarbonise because they rely heavily on fossil fuels.

Financial Constraints

India requires enormous financial investment, estimated at around USD 40–50 billion annually, to achieve its clean energy and climate goals.

However, climate finance from developed countries remains limited and uncertain. India also faces external trade pressures such as carbon border taxes, which may affect exports and industrial competitiveness.

The high cost of green technologies further creates financial difficulties for rapid climate transition.

Land and Afforestation Challenges

Large-scale renewable energy projects require significant land resources, often leading to land acquisition conflicts and environmental concerns.

Similarly, achieving the target of creating a 3.5–4 billion tonne carbon sink through forest expansion is difficult because of land scarcity and challenges in maintaining long-term afforestation programmes.

Therefore, balancing renewable energy expansion, agriculture, biodiversity protection, and urbanisation remains a major challenge.

Measures to Strengthen India’s Climate Efforts

India can strengthen its climate strategy by focusing on Round-the-Clock renewable energy systems, where solar and wind power are combined with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) to ensure reliable electricity supply.

The country can also repurpose abandoned coal mines into solar parks and pumped hydro storage facilities, thereby solving both land and energy storage problems simultaneously.

To protect communities dependent on coal industries, India needs a strong Just Transition Fund that can support skill development, economic diversification, and social protection for affected workers.

India should also operationalise a robust Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to encourage industries such as steel, cement, and fertilisers to adopt cleaner technologies like CCUS.

In agriculture, the promotion of Agri-Voltaics, where solar panels are installed above farmland, can help generate clean energy while preserving agricultural productivity and increasing farmers’ income.

Similarly, expanding agroforestry by integrating trees into agricultural landscapes can provide a practical solution for achieving India’s carbon sink targets.

Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)

A Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is a country’s official climate action plan submitted under the Paris Agreement. Through the NDC, countries describe the measures they will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts of climate change.

The concept of NDCs is central to global climate governance because climate change is a global problem that requires collective action from all nations. Under the Paris Agreement, every country is expected to contribute according to its capabilities and national circumstances.

Nature and Features of NDCs

Self-Determined Climate Commitments

One of the most important characteristics of an NDC is that it is self-determined. This means that every country independently decides its own climate targets and strategies based on factors such as:

• Economic development

• Technological capability

• Energy requirements

• National priorities

• Developmental challenges

Therefore, climate commitments differ from country to country because nations have different capacities and responsibilities.

This flexible structure allows both developed and developing countries to participate in global climate action while considering their domestic realities.

Time-Bound and Progressive Nature

NDCs are also time-bound and progressive in nature. Countries are required to update their climate action plans periodically, usually every five to ten years.

Each updated NDC must demonstrate greater ambition than the previous one. This progressive approach ensures that countries gradually strengthen their efforts to combat climate change as scientific understanding, technological capabilities, and financial resources improve over time.

The idea behind this mechanism is to continuously raise global climate ambition in order to limit global warming.

Components of Nationally Determined Contributions

An NDC generally includes several important elements related to climate mitigation and adaptation.

The most common component is the country’s target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many countries also include goals related to increasing renewable energy capacity, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable industrial practices.

In addition, NDCs often contain strategies for adapting to climate change impacts such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and sea-level rise.

Countries may also mention their financial and technological requirements for implementing climate actions, especially in the case of developing nations that require international support.

Importance of NDCs Under the Paris Agreement

NDCs form the operational foundation of the Paris Agreement because there is no global authority that directly imposes emission reduction targets on countries.

Instead, the Paris Agreement follows a system based on collective responsibility and voluntary national commitments. Every country contributes according to its capacity, and together these national efforts aim to limit the rise in global temperatures.

Therefore, the success of the Paris Agreement depends largely on the ambition, implementation, and regular strengthening of NDCs submitted by countries.

NDCs also increase transparency and accountability in international climate governance because countries periodically report their progress toward achieving their targets.

India’s NDC Journey

India’s First NDC (2015)

India submitted its first NDC in 2015 after the adoption of the Paris Agreement. India used 2005 as the baseline year for measuring progress in emission reduction.

The first NDC reflected India’s effort to balance climate action with developmental priorities such as poverty reduction, industrialisation, and energy access.

Under its first NDC, India committed to reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Emissions intensity refers to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of economic output.

India also aimed to achieve nearly 40% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, and nuclear energy.

Another important target was the creation of an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through increased forest and tree cover.

These commitments highlighted India’s growing focus on renewable energy expansion, sustainable development, and environmental protection.

Updated NDC of India (2022)

India strengthened its climate commitments through an updated NDC submitted in 2022. These enhanced targets were aligned with the climate announcements made at COP26 held in Glasgow.

Under the updated NDC, India increased its ambition by committing to a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

India also raised its target for non-fossil fuel electricity capacity to 50% by 2030.

The updated commitments reflected India’s increasing investment in renewable energy, clean technology, sustainable infrastructure, and low-carbon development pathways.

They also demonstrated India’s intention to play a more active role in global climate action while continuing to pursue economic growth and social development.

Significance of India’s NDCs

India’s NDCs are important because they represent the country’s commitment to achieving sustainable development while addressing climate change challenges.

The targets encourage the expansion of renewable energy, improvement in energy efficiency, protection of forests, and reduction of carbon emissions.

India’s climate commitments also strengthen its international image as a responsible global actor and an important leader among developing countries and the Global South.

At the same time, India consistently emphasises the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), arguing that developed countries should take greater responsibility because of their larger historical contribution to climate change.

Conclusion

The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is one of the most important instruments under the Paris Agreement for addressing climate change. It allows countries to design climate strategies according to their national realities while contributing collectively to global climate goals.