Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav announced that India will host the First International Big Cat Summit on June 1 and 2 in New Delhi. The summit aims to engage the industry in big cat conservation efforts. The initiative, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on protecting seven big cat species including tigers, lions, and leopards.
Yadav emphasized the importance of corporate support in global big cat conservation. He highlighted the crucial role of corporate funding in areas such as habitat restoration, technology-driven monitoring, community-based conservation, and conservation awareness. The Minister urged industry leaders to contribute to these conservation efforts through partnerships and financial backing.
Recognizing the significance of big cats in maintaining ecological balance, Yadav urged collective action to safeguard these apex predators. He stressed that protecting big cats also safeguards ecosystems, biodiversity, and water resources. The Minister highlighted the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
Yadav discussed India’s growth trajectory and its potential to lead globally by integrating innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion. He noted India’s rapid progress in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing. India currently ranks third globally in renewable energy capacity, with a cumulative solar capacity of 150 gigawatts as of March 2026. The country has achieved the target of sourcing 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources ahead of the 2030 deadline.
The Minister highlighted India’s efforts in reducing emissions intensity and its commitment to transparency under international agreements like the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement. He emphasized India’s role in shaping global change through its sustainable development initiatives and climate action strategies.
