In a significant move towards achieving its climate targets, the government has given the green light to India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031 to 2035. This decision aims to slash the emissions intensity of the country’s GDP by 47% by 2035 from the 2005 level. The approval, made by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, bolsters India’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement while emphasizing sustainable development and climate justice.
India’s NDC for 2031-35 is inspired by the vision of Viksit Bharat, signifying not just a target for 2047 but a present-day pledge to construct a prosperous and climate-resilient Bharat for future generations. This approval of India’s NDC for the 2031-2035 period marks a significant stride in India’s journey towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, solidifying its position as a global leader in climate action. The country has laid out its objectives for 2031-35, a crucial step towards the ultimate aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
India’s initial climate commitments included targets for 2030, such as a 33-35% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP and a 40% share of non-fossil fuel-based electric power installed capacity. Remarkably, these targets were met 11 and 9 years ahead of schedule, respectively. The emissions intensity has already decreased by 36% from 2005 to 2020, prompting an enhanced target of 47% to be accomplished by 2035.
To fulfill the updated NDC’s objective of increasing the share of non-fossil fuel energy resources in installed electric power capacity, India has achieved 52.57% non-fossil capacity as of February 2026, surpassing the target by five years. The new ambition sets a target of 60% share of non-fossil fuel-based energy resources in installed electric power capacity by 2035. India has managed to create 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through afforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts by 2021, contributing to the country’s carbon sink goals while supporting rural livelihoods.
The government has now set a more ambitious target of creating a carbon sink through forest and tree cover, aiming for 3.5-4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035 from the 2005 level. India’s climate actions are being implemented at the local level through various schemes and programs like Jal Jeevan Mission, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Habitat, MISHTI, National Disaster Management Plan, Soil Health Card, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
