The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved India’s NDC 2031-2035 on 25 March 2026. NDC stands for Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. India will now communicate it to the UNFCCC. Notably, the new NDC sets three headline targets for 2035. Also, it links climate action with Viksit Bharat 2047 and Net-Zero by 2070. Therefore, it marks the next step in India’s climate ambition.
Three Targets for 2035
First, India will cut the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47% by 2035 from 2005 levels. Second, non-fossil sources will make up 60% of cumulative installed power capacity by 2035. Third, India will create a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent. It will do this through forest and tree cover by 2035.
How the New Targets Compare with 2030 Goals
India’s updated NDC of 2022 set targets for 2030. It aimed for a 45% cut in emissions intensity from 2005 levels. Also, it targeted 50% non-fossil installed power capacity by 2030. Further, it sought an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes. Thus, the new NDC raises all three goals for 2035.
Progress So Far
India cut its emissions intensity by 36% between 2005 and 2020. Moreover, non-fossil sources made up 52.57% of installed capacity in February 2026. So, India met its 50% target five years ahead of schedule. Similarly, it created a carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent by 2021. In fact, the government says India met both 2015 targets 11 and 9 years early.
About NDCs and the Paris Agreement
Under the Paris Agreement of 2015, each country sets its own climate pledges. Countries call these pledges NDCs. Moreover, parties submit a new NDC every five years. Each new NDC should show higher ambition than the last.
NDC 2031-2035: Key Facts for Revision
- Approved: 25 March 2026, by the Union Cabinet
- Emissions intensity: 47% cut by 2035 from 2005 levels (earlier 45% by 2030)
- Non-fossil capacity: 60% by 2035 (earlier 50% by 2030)
- Carbon sink: 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes CO2e by 2035 (earlier 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes)
- Non-fossil share achieved: 52.57% (February 2026)
- Long-term goal: Net-Zero by 2070
Why NDC 2031-2035 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, examiners often compare old and new climate targets. So, remember the 47%, 60% and 3.5-4.0 billion tonne figures, along with the base year 2005. Also, link the NDC with India’s renewable energy potential. For official updates, also visit UNFCCC. Next, for a related story, read about PM Surya Sarovar Yojana.
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