Cabinet approves India’s Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035

The Union Cabinet has approved the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031–2035 under the Paris Agreement framework.

Key Highlights of the Updated NDC

1. Enhanced Emissions Intensity Target

• India has raised its emissions intensity reduction target from earlier levels to 47% by 2035 (from 2005 levels).
• Notably, India had already achieved a 36% reduction (2005–2020).
• The earlier NDC target (33–35% by 2030) was achieved 11 years ahead of schedule.

2. Boost to Non-Fossil Energy Capacity

• India has already reached 52.57% non-fossil fuel-based installed power capacity (Feb 2026).
• This surpasses the earlier 40% target for 2030, achieved 5 years early.
• The new target aims for 60% non-fossil capacity by 2035.

3. Expansion of Carbon Sink

• India has created a carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent (as of 2021).
• The updated goal is 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent by 2035 through forest and tree cover.

Guiding Principles Behind the New NDC

The revised commitments are shaped by:

• Outcomes of the first Global Stocktake (GST) under the Paris Agreement
• The principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)
• Emphasis on equity, energy security, and developmental priorities

Source: PIB