India charts ambitious climate path: Targets 47% cut in emissions intensity by 2035

The Cabinet has approved India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031-35 , marking a major step in the country’s journey toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy . The updated targets will be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and build on India’s past climate commitments.

Nationally Determined Contributions are climate action plans under the 2015 Paris Agreement , where countries outline steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. Countries update their NDCs every five years, reflecting growing ambition and progress.

India’s new NDC aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 47 percent from 2005 levels , achieve 60 percent of cumulative electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels, and create a carbon sink of 3.5-4 billion tonnes through forest cover. Additional priorities include climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, green financing, and research in climate technology. Implementation will be guided by the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) , ensuring coordinated action across central and state programs.

India has a credible climate track record. Its 2015 targets , a 33-35% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP and 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 , were achieved years ahead of schedule , according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and reports submitted to the UNFCCC . Emissions intensity is measured as the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of GDP , calculated using energy consumption data across sectors, industrial activity, and emission factors outlined by the IPCC . Currently, India contributes about 6-7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, significantly lower than China (28%) and the US (14%) , with per capita emissions below the global average, reflecting both the country’s large population and lower per-person energy use. These figures are corroborated by global tracking agencies, including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Global Carbon Project .

While some major emitters have struggled to meet previous targets, China has continued expanding coal capacity, and US has faced setbacks due to policy rollbacks, India has steadily raised its climate ambition. Its approach balances economic growth with environmental responsibility, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. “With this third NDC, India is signaling leadership in global climate governance,” the Ministry of Environment said.