Cabinet clears India’s climate targets for 2031–35; emissions intensity cut target raised to 47%
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031–2035, marking a step forward in the country’s climate action under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
The updated targets aim to align India’s development priorities with climate responsibility while advancing the broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
As part of its enhanced commitments, India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47 per cent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. The country has also set a target to achieve 60 per cent of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035.
In addition, India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035 from the 2005 baseline.
The government noted that India has already demonstrated strong progress on earlier climate commitments. The country had achieved its previous targets of reducing emissions intensity by 33–35 per cent and attaining a 40 per cent share of non-fossil fuel-based installed power capacity well ahead of the 2030 deadline.
According to official data, emissions intensity has already declined by 36 per cent between 2005 and 2020. Similarly, non-fossil fuel capacity has reached over 52 per cent as of February 2026, surpassing earlier targets ahead of schedule.
India has also made progress in enhancing its carbon sink, with 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent already created by 2021 through afforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts. Agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization have recognised India among the leading countries in net forest area gain.
The updated NDC outlines a comprehensive approach to climate action, focusing on clean energy expansion, green infrastructure, and sustainable industrial growth. Key initiatives include the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Production Linked Incentive schemes, PM-KUSUM, and efforts in carbon capture, utilisation and storage, along with expansion of nuclear energy.
On the global front, India continues to collaborate through platforms such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance, and Lead-IT.
The government also stressed the importance of climate adaptation alongside mitigation. Measures include coastal protection through mangrove restoration, early warning systems for extreme weather events, glacier monitoring in Himalayan regions, and implementation of heat action plans across states.
India’s climate framework is being implemented through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and State-level action plans, supported by schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
Highlighting a people-centric approach, the government said initiatives like ‘Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ are encouraging mass participation in climate action.
