Cabinet Approves NDC with 47 Percent Emission Cut and 60 Percent Clean Power by 2035

India has taken a significant step in its climate strategy, as the Union Cabinet approving the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) for the period 2031–2035 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The revised commitments mark a clear enhancement of India’s climate ambition under the Paris Agreement, aligning with its long-term goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and becoming a developed nation under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Under the new targets, India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47 percent by 2035 from 2005 levels, a substantial increase from its earlier commitment. The country has already achieved a 36 percent reduction between 2005 and 2020, underscoring its steady progress in decoupling economic growth from emissions.

In the power sector, India has set an ambitious goal of achieving 60 percent cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035. The country has already reached 52.57 percent non-fossil capacity as of February 2026, achieving its earlier 40 percent target well ahead of schedule.

India has also enhanced its carbon sink target, aiming to create an additional 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035. As of 2021, the country had already created a carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes, supported by afforestation and ecosystem restoration initiatives.

India’s progress in forest cover expansion has been recognized globally, including by the Food and Agriculture Organization, which ranks India among the top countries for net forest area gains.

The updated NDC builds on India’s strong track record since its initial submission in 2015, where it met key targets years ahead of deadlines. This includes achieving 33–35 percent emissions intensity reduction and 40 percent non-fossil capacity well before 2030.

The government emphasized that the new targets are supported by a wide range of policy measures, including renewable energy expansion, battery storage, green hydrogen, and grid infrastructure development. Key initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Global Biofuel Alliance continue to strengthen India’s global climate leadership.

Beyond mitigation, India’s climate approach also focuses heavily on adaptation, including coastal protection, glacier monitoring, heat action plans, and disaster resilience programs. These efforts are implemented through frameworks like the National Action Plan on Climate Change and State-level climate strategies.