Countries across the globe committed to create a new international climate agreement by the conclusion of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris in December 2015. In preparation, countries have agreed to publicly outline what post-2020 climate actions they intend to take under a new international agreement, known as their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). The INDCs will largely determine whether the world achieves an ambitious 2015 agreement and is put on a path toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Evolution of India's NDC India submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change during October 2015. It was revised and approved by the Cabinet during August 2022. A revised NDC with updated targets for 2031-35 was approved by the Cabinet during March 2026. Long term goal of India's NDC to achieve net-zero by 2070. Early achievement to higher ambition - Progress of NDC leading to revision India’s original climate commitments i.e NDC submitted in 2015, laid a strong foundation, with targets by 2030 of 33–35% reduction in the emissions intensity of GDP and 40% share of non-fossil resources based electric power installed capacity, both of which were met, 11 years and 9 years ahead of the committed timelines. . Further on the NDC goal of creating additional carbon sink through forest and tree cover, India has already created 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2021 India's latest NDC Salient features of India's latest INDC To put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation. To adopt a climate-friendly and a cleaner path than the one followed hitherto by others at corresponding level of economic development. To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47 per cent by 2035 from 2005 level. To achieve about 60 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2035. To create an additional carbon sink of 3.5-4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035 from 2005 level. To better adapt to climate change by enhancing investments in development programmes in sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture, water resources, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health and disaster management. To mobilize domestic and new and additional funds from developed countries to implement the above mitigation and adaptation actions in view of the resource required and the resource gap. To build capacities, create domestic framework and international architecture for quick diffusion of cutting edge climate technology in India and for joint collaborative R&D for such future technologies. Approach to NDC (2031-35) In shaping India’s NDC for 2031–2035, the Government has considered the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake (GST), principle of Common but differentiated responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), and equity with a view to harmonize national realities, developmental priorities, energy security and the need for greater ambition in climate action, in line with the purpose and long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. How are India’s INDCs different from other countries’? India’s INDCs have a strong focus on climate change adaptation. Of the 8 missions outlined in India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, 4 efforts are focused on adaptation efforts – sustainable agriculture, increasing water use efficiency, sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem and creating sustainable habitats. No other country has been able to dedicate the same level of focus and effort on adaptation on as large a scale as India. Furthermore, India has also outlined the financial implications of the climate change goals, in addition to outlining its plan for developing and enabling technology transfers to facilitate INDC achievement. India’s plans for clean energy India’s climate strategy is implemented through a series of measures including those on large-scale renewable energy expansion, battery storage systems, and green energy corridors, cleaner manufacturing, ensuring reliable and sustainable infrastructure across the country. It also lays emphasis on strengthening institutional capacity, innovation ecosystems, and local-level adaptation measures, ensuring that climate considerations are integrated across key sectors of the economy through various schemes, including Green Hydrogen Mission, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan); push for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS); and nuclear energy. Further India is pursuing a positive climate action agenda by forging partnerships at international levels through initiatives such as International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Global Bio-fuel Alliance (GBA) and Leadership Group for Industry Transition (Lead-IT) etc. India’s plans for adapting to climate change Some of the key measures towards the achievement of goals on adaptation are protection of vulnerable coastlines through mangrove restoration, coastal regulation, and climate-resilient infrastructure; early warning systems for cyclones and storm surges; targeted programmes for glacier monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods in Himalayan states; climate-resilient infrastructure to address risks from landslides and glacial lake outburst floods; and implementation of Heat Action Plans across the States; community-based disaster preparedness and resilience programmes, etc. Under its Climate Action framework, India’s NDC is operationalized through the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and its nine national missions, as well as the State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC). The framework is implemented in convergence with various schemes and programs of the central and State Governments ensuring a coordinated, whole of government approach for climate-resilient and low-carbon development.” India’s climate action is being implemented at local level through various schemes and programme such as Jal Jeevan Mission, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Habitat, MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), National Disaster Management Plan, Soil Health Card and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), etc. India's perspective on climate justice With a significant proportion of its population still below the poverty line, India is well - positioned to understand and balance this demography’s needs for upliftment with the global agenda for climate change action. India accounts for 2.4% of the world surface area, but supports around 17.5% of the world population. It houses the largest proportion of global poor (30% , 363 million people), around 24% of the global population without access to electricity (304 million), about 30% of the global population relying on solid biomass for cooking and 92 million without access to safe drinking water. These, geographical and other socio - economic factors make India highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The average annual energy consumption in India in 2011 was only 0.6 tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) per capita as compared to global average of 1.88 toe per capita. Additionally, India has been able to achieve an Human Development Index of 0.586 with this significantly lower average annual energy consumption . No country in the world has been able to achieve a HDI of 0.9 or more without an energy availability of 4 toe per capita. India has a lot to do to provide a dignified life to its population and to meet their rightful aspirations. Given the development agenda in a democratic polity, the infrastructure deficit represented by different indicators, the pressures of urbanisation and industrialisation and the imperative of sustainable growth, India faces a formidable and complex challenge in working for economic progress towards a secure future for its citizens. Given its experiences in effectively implementing climate change actions, India also knows that current adaptation efforts are not affordable or practical on a universal scale. Current climate change resolution efforts put the burden on the economically disadvantaged of society without accounting for their growth and development aspirations. As a responsible global citizen, India is willing to lead in adaptations efforts that will make lifting the poor across the world out of poverty central to climate change action To view the complete INDC document, click here. Source : Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change