India Raises Climate Ambition with NDC 3.0, Signals Scaled Energy Transition and Carbon Sink Push

NEW DELHI, March 30, 2026 – India has significantly raised its climate ambition with the approval of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for the 2031–2035 period, setting sharper targets across emissions intensity, clean energy capacity, and carbon sequestration.

The updated commitments, approved by the Union Cabinet and set to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, reinforce the country’s long-term pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2070 while aligning with its broader development vision.

Sharper targets mark step-up in ambition

At the core of India’s updated NDC is a commitment to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47% by 2035 from 2005 levels, a notable increase from earlier targets.

The country has also set a goal of achieving 60% cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035, signalling a continued acceleration in renewable energy deployment and grid transformation.

In parallel, India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035, reflecting a dual strategy of mitigation and nature-based climate action.

These targets build on earlier commitments that India has largely met ahead of schedule, including achieving over 52% non-fossil fuel capacity as of early 2026 and reducing emissions intensity by 36% between 2005 and 2020.

From early delivery to scaled transition

India’s climate trajectory has increasingly shifted from incremental progress to systemic transformation. The updated NDC reflects a move towards integrating climate considerations into economic planning, industrial policy, and infrastructure development.

Large-scale renewable energy expansion remains central to this transition, supported by investments in battery storage systems, green energy corridors, and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

The country’s policy ecosystem continues to evolve through initiatives such as production-linked incentives for clean manufacturing, rural solarisation programmes, and efforts to expand nuclear and biofuel capacity.

At the same time, India has positioned itself as an active player in global climate partnerships, including platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, reinforcing its role in shaping climate cooperation across developing economies.

Adaptation and resilience gain prominence

Beyond mitigation, India’s updated NDC places greater emphasis on climate adaptation, reflecting the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related risks across the region.

Key measures include strengthening coastal resilience through mangrove restoration, enhancing early warning systems for extreme weather events, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure across vulnerable geographies such as Himalayan regions.

Sector-specific interventions span agriculture, water management, and urban planning, with a focus on safeguarding livelihoods while improving long-term resilience.

Whole-of-economy approach to climate action

A defining feature of India’s NDC 3.0 is its whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. The framework is implemented through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and supported by state-level climate strategies, ensuring alignment across sectors and regions.

The consultative process underpinning the updated targets involved multiple ministries, industry bodies, and civil society stakeholders, with an emphasis on balancing climate ambition with development priorities such as energy security, economic growth, and job creation.

The inclusion of people-centric initiatives such as the “Lifestyle for Environment” movement reflects an attempt to embed sustainability into everyday behaviour, expanding climate action beyond policy and industry.

Implications for Asia-Pacific and emerging markets

India’s updated NDC carries broader implications for the Asia-Pacific region, particularly for emerging economies navigating similar development and decarbonisation challenges.

The scale of India’s renewable energy targets and infrastructure investments is expected to influence regional supply chains, including solar manufacturing, battery ecosystems, and green hydrogen development.

For Southeast Asia, India’s approach offers a model of combining economic growth with climate ambition, particularly in integrating climate policy with industrial strategy and domestic capability building.

At the same time, the emphasis on carbon sinks and nature-based solutions is likely to reinforce regional discussions around forestry, biodiversity, and carbon credit markets, areas where countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are also scaling efforts.

Balancing growth, equity and climate ambition

India’s NDC 3.0 underscores the continued relevance of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, highlighting the need for climate action frameworks that account for varying national circumstances.

The updated targets signal a calibrated approach, one that seeks to align climate commitments with economic realities while maintaining momentum towards long-term decarbonisation.

With strong policy direction, expanding technological capabilities, and increasing stakeholder participation, India’s climate roadmap is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping both regional and global climate trajectories in the years ahead.