JSA Prism | Environment & Climate Change

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Union Cabinet approves India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035

The Government of India, vide press release dated March 25, 2026, announced that the Union Cabinet has approved India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (“NDCs”) for the period 2031–2035 for communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (“UNFCCC”). The approved NDCs outline India’s updated climate commitments, building upon its earlier NDC targets submitted in 2015 and subsequently updated in 2022, many of which were achieved ahead of schedule. The revised NDC enhances India’s mitigation and adaptation ambitions in line with its long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and provides for enhanced targets in respect of emissions intensity reduction, expansion of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity and creation of additional carbon sinks through forest and tree cover.

Salient features

Enhanced emissions intensity reduction target: India has committed to reduce the emissions intensity of its gross domestic product by 47% by 2035 from 2005 levels, as compared to the earlier target of 33–35%, thereby an upward revision in ambition based on progress achieved to date.
Increased share of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity: The NDC targets the achievement of 60% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035, as against the earlier 50% target till 2030, which was achieved ahead of schedule.
Expansion of carbon sink targets: India has enhanced its commitment towards carbon sequestration by targeting the creation of an additional 3.5 (three point five) to 4.0 (four point zero) billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent carbon sink through forest and tree cover by 2035 from 2005 levels.
Alignment with long-term climate and development objectives: The revised NDC is aligned with India’s broader policy objectives, including the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and the long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, while balancing growth, energy security and environmental sustainability.
Integration of mitigation and adaptation measures: The NDC framework integrates both mitigation and adaptation strategies, including large-scale renewable energy deployment, battery storage systems, green energy corridors, cleaner industrial processes, climate-resilient infrastructure, and ecosystem-based adaptation measures such as mangrove restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion

The approval of India’s NDC for 2031–2035 marks a calibrated enhancement of the country’s climate commitments, reflecting increased ambition across emissions reduction, clean energy transition and carbon sequestration. By building on earlier targets that have been achieved ahead of schedule, the revised NDC reinforces India’s approach of integrating economic development with climate action.

Looking ahead, the implementation of these commitments will depend on sustained policy support, sectoral coordination and continued investment in clean energy, infrastructure and low-carbon technologies. The revised targets are also likely to shape regulatory frameworks and investment strategies across key sectors, including power, industry and infrastructure. The effectiveness of the updated NDC will therefore depend on the pace and consistency of implementation, and the translation of policy commitments into measurable sectoral outcomes.

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