Cabinet approves Indias climate targets for 2031 35

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period from 2031 to 2035 to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, official sources said.India has also committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47 per cent by 2035 from the 2005 level and plans to achieve 60 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035, they said. India will create a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes through forest cover.

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.

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 Organisation 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.

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Courtesy: The Tribune -26-Mar-2026