India raises clean-energy ambition with 60% non-fossil fuel power goal by 2035, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• India aims for 60% non-fossil fuel-based installed electric capacity by 2035.
• The nation targets a 47% reduction in emissions intensity per unit of GDP from 2005 levels.
• India plans to increase its carbon sink to 3.5-4 billion tonnes.
• These goals are part of India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC.
• Current non-fossil fuel installed capacity is about 52%, with 25% of power generated from these sources.
• India achieved 36% emissions intensity reduction from 2005-2020 as of 2019.

Detailed Insights:

• India's updated NDC demonstrates a commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency.
• The announcement follows Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav's statement at CoP30 in November 2025, indicating India's intention to release its NDC by the end of the year.
• India's previous NDC, submitted in August 2022, targeted 50% non-fossil fuel power, a 44% emissions intensity reduction, and a 2.5-3 billion tonne carbon sink by 2030.
• As of December 31, 2025, India and Argentina were the only G-20 countries that had not announced a 2035 NDC.
• India's carbon sink had already reached 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent between 2005 and 2019.
• Forest and tree cover in India was 24.6% of its geographical area as of 2021, an increase from 21% in 2005, but below the national policy target of 33%.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): A country's self-defined climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
• Carbon Sink: A reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases, like forests.
• Emissions Intensity: The amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of GDP.