Belém, Brazil – As the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change unfolds in Belém, Brazil, India has asserted its commitment to updating its climate goals and has strongly urged developed nations to significantly advance their net-zero deadlines. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, delivering India's national statement, emphasized the urgency ofImplementation and Delivery on Promises.
India, the world's third-largest polluter, has long maintained that industrialized nations bear a greater responsibility in decarbonization efforts, while developing countries require assistance to simultaneously curb emissions and drive economic growth.
Yadav announced that India will release its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by December, outlining the country's strategy for emissions reductions through 2035. These NDCs embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. India will also submit its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) in line with Paris Agreement requirements. The BTR provides a transparent framework for countries to report on their climate actions, building trust and facilitating financial and technological support.
Yadav called on developed countries to reach net-zero "far earlier than current target dates" to preserve the global carbon space for developing economies. He also insisted that climate finance must move from "billions to trillions," advocating for new, additional, and concessional funding, and addressing how restrictive intellectual property regimes hinder access to climate technologies.
India has already demonstrated significant progress in its climate action, having reduced its emissions intensity by over 36% since 2005. Non-fossil sources now constitute more than half of its total power capacity. With 256 GW of non-fossil energy, India has met its 2030 NDC target five years ahead of schedule. The country has also launched major energy missions, including the International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuel Alliance, the Nuclear Mission, and the Green Hydrogen Mission.
India's call for action aligns with the broader focus of COP30, which aims to translate commitments into concrete action. The conference is expected to focus on efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs), and progress on the finance pledges made at COP29. Adaptation finance is not keeping pace with accelerating climate impacts, and the UN Secretary-General has called on leaders at COP30 to ensure developing countries have the resources and capacity they need to adapt to climate change.
India has joined the Tropical Forests Forever Facility as an observer.
Bhupender Yadav said that the newly launched Nuclear Mission and Green Hydrogen Mission further accelerate the country's journey towards Net Zero by 2070.
