India communicated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031-2035 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in April 2026, after Union Cabinet approval in March 2026, ahead of the COP30 summit held in Belem, Brazil. This marks a significant step in India's long-term decarbonisation roadmap.
The new NDC raises India's emissions intensity reduction target from 45% to 47% compared to 2005 levels by the year 2035. According to the official NDC, India's emissions intensity had declined over 33% by 2019 and 36% by 2020. The non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity target has also been enhanced from 50% to 60% of total installed capacity by 2035, reflecting the rapid expansion of solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
India's climate commitments are anchored in the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), recognising that developed nations bear greater historical responsibility for cumulative greenhouse gas emissions. India argues its per capita emissions remain far below global averages while simultaneously being among the world's fastest-growing renewable energy markets.
The NDC aligns with India's overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Key enablers include the National Solar Mission, PM-KUSUM scheme for agricultural solar, offshore wind policy, and the Green Hydrogen Mission. The Cabinet approval also emphasises adaptation priorities including climate-resilient agriculture, coastal zone protection, and Himalayan ecosystem conservation.
At COP30, India intends to push for enhanced climate finance commitments from developed nations, operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, and technology transfer mechanisms under the Paris Agreement framework. India's updated NDC is seen as a credible signal of its climate ambition while defending developmental equity.