India Ups Climate Goals: New Targets for 2035

India has officially declared its climate targets for 2035, marking an update to its existing 2030 commitments as per the Paris Agreement. The nation now aims to achieve at least a 47% reduction in its GDP's emission intensity relative to 2005 levels by 2035. This represents a modest increase from the previous 2030 goal of 45% reduction, with India having already achieved a 36% reduction by 2020.

Furthermore, India is targeting that 60% of its total electricity generation capacity will be derived from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035. This goal surpasses the previous 2030 target of 50%, a milestone already achieved ahead of schedule, with non-fossil fuel sources accounting for over 52% of capacity as of February 2026. The third key commitment involves increasing India's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide through forests, targeting an additional sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035, an increase from the 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes target for 2030.

These revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are India's third submission, following those for 2025 and 2030. While considered a step forward, some experts suggest the ambition could be higher given the rapid pace of India's energy transition. Beyond these quantitative targets, India is also pursuing other climate-friendly initiatives, including promoting resilient infrastructure and sustainable lifestyles.