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The Union Cabinet has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031–2035, to be submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in line with the Paris Agreement.

About Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

NDCs are national climate action plans through which countries outline:

• Targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation)
• Measures for adapting to climate change impacts

The 2031–2035 NDC builds upon India’s earlier commitments for 2030 and reflects enhanced ambition aligned with development goals.

Objectives of India’s NDC (2031–2035)

• Align economic growth with environmental sustainability
• Support the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
• Progress towards net-zero emissions by 2070
• Ensure climate justice and equity under CBDR-RC principles

Key Targets

1. Emissions Intensity Reduction: Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47% from 2005 levels by 2035

2. Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: Achieve 60% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil sources

3. Carbon Sink Creation: Create an additional 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes of CO? equivalent through forest and tree cover

India’s Climate Performance: A Strong Track Record

• Achieved 33–35% emissions intensity reduction target well before 2030
• Reached over 52% non-fossil fuel capacity (2026), ahead of schedule
• Created 2.29 billion tonnes of CO? equivalent carbon sink by 2021

This early achievement enhances India’s global credibility in climate governance.

Key Features of the Updated NDC

1. Whole-of-Government Approach

• Developed through 10 working groups under NITI Aayog
• Involves ministries, industry, experts, and civil society

2. Clean Energy and Green Growth

• Expansion of renewable energy and green infrastructure
• Key initiatives:
  • Green Hydrogen Mission
  • PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
  • PM-KUSUM Scheme
  • Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)

3. Focus on Climate Adaptation

• Coastal protection via mangrove restoration (MISHTI)
• Glacier monitoring and Himalayan ecosystem protection
• Heat Action Plans and disaster-resilient infrastructure

4. Institutional Framework

• Implemented through:
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
  • State Action Plans (SAPCCs)

5. People-Centric Approach

• Promotion of Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)
• Campaigns like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam to encourage mass participation

6. Global Climate Leadership

• Active role in:
  • International Solar Alliance
  • Global Biofuel Alliance
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)