India is set to release its updated climate action plan ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil in November 2025, marking its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The plan extends India’s climate targets to 2035, building on significant progress toward its previous commitments for 2030, particularly in renewable energy and emissions intensity reduction.

Key Features of India’s Latest Climate Action Plan

• The new NDC will likely strengthen three core objectives: reducing GDP emissions intensity, raising the share of clean energy sources, and enhancing forest carbon sinks.
• India’s goal to reduce emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 (set in 2022) will continue, and recent data suggests the country is already on track or ahead, with emission intensity cuts reaching 36% by 2020.
• The goal for electricity from non-fossil sources was raised to 50%—already achieved by mid-2025. Solar, wind, and nuclear now comprise over half of installed capacity.
• India’s carbon sink target (2.5–3 billion tonnes of additional CO2 equivalent by 2030 through forest/tree cover) is being met ahead of schedule, with projections indicating the milestone may be achieved by 2023–24.
• The updated NDC emphasizes “Lifestyle for Environment” (LIFE), prioritizing sustainable consumption, low-carbon development, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Major Policy Measures and New Initiatives

• A major national carbon capture initiative with substantial government incentives is to be rolled out, focusing on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) to balance climate action with ongoing coal dependency.
• The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) remains the overarching policy framework, updated with sector-specific strategies, expanded renewable installation targets, and mass promotion of green technologies.
• Policy reforms are targeting rooftop solar expansion, green hydrogen, and large-scale renewables, with record new renewable capacity added in FY 2024–25.
• India is also accelerating efforts to implement power pricing reforms, boost energy efficiency, and deploy more fiscal support for clean technologies as part of its path to net zero by 2070.

Progress and Outlook

• India has already surpassed its 2030 targets for non-fossil installed energy capacity and is on course to greatly exceed the emission intensity reduction goal.
• The next set of targets (for 2035) is expected to include deeper emission cuts and a higher share of renewables, with a likely emphasis on achieving 60–68% clean energy share and 55–66% emission intensity reduction relative to 2005 levels by 2035.
• Continued attention will be given to balancing economic growth, energy security, and equitable climate action, with a strong focus on science, technology, and local community involvement in adaptation and mitigation.
• India’s approach remains rooted in climate justice, sustainable lifestyles, and ambitious but achievable targets, setting a strong benchmark for other emerging economies as the world moves toward COP30.

India’s new NDC targets for 2035

India’s new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets for 2035 are set to continue and expand the country’s three major existing commitments: reduction of emissions intensity, increasing non-fossil fuel share in electricity capacity, and enhancement of forest carbon sinks. As of September 2025, India has not yet officially submitted its 2035 NDC to the UNFCCC, but reports indicate that the submitted targets will be an upward revision of the current 2030 goals, rather than introducing new categories.

Likely Features of India’s 2035 NDC Targets

• Emissions Intensity Reduction: The target will likely involve a further reduction beyond the present 2030 goal of cutting emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels. Although the exact percentage is not yet publicly declared, expectations are for a progressive and ambitious cut by 2035.
• Non-Fossil Fuel Share: The non-fossil share in total installed electricity generation capacity, already at 50% for 2030, may be raised to a higher percentage to be met by 2035, possibly 60% or above, according to climate policy trackers.
• Carbon Sink Expansion: The target of adding 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink through forest and tree cover by 2030 is expected to be raised for 2035 commitments, though the specific quantum will be revealed in the official NDC document.
• Continued Focus Areas: The targets will maintain focus on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and sectoral decarbonization, building on current progress.

Policy and Submission Context

• India is likely to submit these new or revised targets before COP30 in Brazil (November 2025).
• The government has indicated commitments for 2035 may reflect some disappointment with insufficient climate finance outcomes at COP29, potentially tempering very high ambition with calls for more international support.

The final official numbers for each target will be available when India releases its NDC submission for 2035 to the UNFCCC, which is expected shortly before COP30.

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