STATEMENT: India Announces New 2035 Climate Commitment

STATEMENT: India Announces New 2035 Climate Commitment

NEW DELHI (March 26, 2026) - India announced its new nationally determined contribution (NDC). India aims to reduce its emissions intensity of GDP by 47% by 2035 compared to 2005. India also pledged to achieve a 60% share of non-fossil sources in installed electricity capacity by 2035 and to expand its forest and tree cover to absorb up to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2035 from 2005 levels.

The announcement also emphasizes adaptation measures across key sectors including agriculture, water, and health and highlights the importance of sustainable lifestyles.

Following is a statement by Melanie Robinson, Global Climate, Economics and Finance Director at World Resources Institute:

"India's new climate commitment demonstrates that the country remains firmly committed to the multilateral climate process and achieving its goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. The new target to reach 60% non-fossil electricity capacity by 2035 is particularly notable given rising energy demand. Domestic trajectories suggest India is on course to exceed this target, further proof that the country's clean energy transition is gaining real momentum. This reflects India's foresight in shifting to a cleaner, more diverse energy mix, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and the geopolitical uncertainties that come with them.

"Recent government modelling underscores that India has a credible pathway to its 2070 net-zero goal. Getting there will require scaling up public funding, attracting private capital through clear policy signals, and securing substantial international finance - both public and private.

"In the coming years, India has a major opportunity to transform its industrial sector, which in 2025 surpassed power as the largest source of its emissions and holds enormous potential for green growth and good jobs. Boosting efficiency standards, switching to cleaner fuels such as green hydrogen, and transitioning to low-carbon cement will all be essential. Equally critical is for the country to keep accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, which can immediately improve communities' health and economies while cutting the country's dependence on fossil fuel imports."

"The commitments to expanding forest cover and strengthening resilience across agriculture, water and health make clear that India's climate strategy is about more than decarbonizing energy - it's about protecting people and nature too.

"India's new commitment signals a growing recognition that climate action and nature conservation are engines for economic growth, development and long-term prosperity. A well-managed low-carbon, climate resilient transition will deliver tangible benefits to people today through improved energy and food security, good jobs and cleaner air."