India raises emission intensity reduction target to 47% by 2035

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 significant step in the country’s climate action framework under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.The revised targets aim to align India’s economic development with climate responsibility, while advancing the long-term 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% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. The country has also set a target of achieving 60% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2035.Additionally, India aims to create an extra carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2035, using 2005 as the baseline year.

Environmental target approved under Paris Agreement Framework, to be communicated to UNFCCC:

* Indian government commits to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 47 percent by 2035 from 2005 level

* Government targets to achieve 60 percent cumulative electric power… pic.twitter.com/8tJSMi4Nse

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 25, 2026

The government highlighted that India has already made strong progress on its earlier climate commitments. It achieved its previous targets of reducing emissions intensity by 33–35% and attaining a 40% share of non-fossil fuel-based installed power capacity well ahead of the 2030 deadline.According to information, emissions intensity declined by 36% between 2005 and 2020, while non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 52% as of February 2026, exceeding earlier goals ahead of schedule.India has also advanced its carbon sink targets, with 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent already created by 2021 through afforestation and ecosystem restoration. The Food and Agriculture Organization has recognised India among the leading countries in net forest area gains.
The updated NDC outlines a comprehensive climate strategy, 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, as well as efforts in carbon capture, utilisation and storage, alongside expansion of nuclear energy.On the global stage, 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 underlined the importance of climate adaptation alongside mitigation. Key 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 executed through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and state-level strategies, supported by schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.Emphasising 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.