India’s Climate Strategy 2025: Seven-Pillar Roadmap for Next NDC & Long-Term Decarbonisation

1. What’s New — Preparing the Next NDC

On 4 December 2025, the Government of India unveiled a seven-pillar decarbonisation framework as part of its preparations for the next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
The strategy outlines medium-term climate pathways up to 2035, building on India’s existing commitments toward clean energy, low-carbon growth, and climate resilience.

Key national targets proposed include:

• 65% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP from 2005 levels by 2035
• ~80% non-fossil energy capacity in total power generation by 2035
• Large-scale deployment of renewable energy, green hydrogen, storage systems, EVs, and carbon markets
• A managed coal transition, with no new unabated coal plants after 2030

The vision reflects India’s strategy to balance development needs with the urgency of climate action.

2. The Seven-Pillar Decarbonisation Roadmap

a) Renewable Energy Expansion

Rapid scaling of solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy to support the growing industrial and household demand. Includes ultra-mega solar parks, offshore wind, and hybrid RE projects.

b) Energy Storage & Grid Modernisation

Focus on large-scale battery storage, pumped hydro, and smart grids to ensure stability as RE share crosses 60–80%.

c) Green Hydrogen Mission

Green hydrogen & green ammonia for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors (steel, cement, shipping, fertilisers).
Targets large domestic production and global export competitiveness.

d) Electric Mobility & Transport Transition

Mass adoption of EVs, electric buses, and charging networks; promotion of biofuels, flex-fuel vehicles, and green logistics corridors.

e) Industrial Decarbonisation

Incentivising low-carbon manufacturing through:

• Energy-efficient technologies
• Carbon capture & utilisation (CCUS) where feasible
• Green industrial standards and carbon markets

f) Sustainable Agriculture & Land Use

Climate-resilient crops, precision agriculture, afforestation targets, soil-carbon enhancement, and methane reduction strategies.

g) Managed Coal Transition

India will phase out new unabated coal plants after 2030 and gradually shift existing plants toward efficient technologies, co-firing with biomass, and flexible operation to support RE.

3. Broader Implications for India

a) Balancing Development with Climate Responsibility

The roadmap reflects India’s effort to sustain economic growth while reducing emissions, ensuring energy access, and promoting green industries.

b) Boost to Energy Security

Reducing dependence on fossil fuels will:

• Lower import bills for coal, oil, and gas
• Strengthen domestic RE manufacturing
• Promote stable long-term energy prices

c) Economic Opportunities

Green hydrogen, RE manufacturing, EV ecosystems, and carbon markets can create millions of green jobs and attract global investments.

4. Implications for Global Climate Diplomacy

a) Strengthens India’s Global Credibility

A clear roadmap ahead of the next NDC enhances India’s negotiating position at climate summits (COP), showing leadership among developing economies.

b) Aligns with Global Net-Zero Pathways

The strategy supports global climate goals while emphasising the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR-RC).

c) Bridges Development and Climate Justice

India positions itself as a country taking ambitious climate action while highlighting the need for:

• Climate finance
• Green technology transfer
• Fair burden-sharing by developed nations