Q.18 Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022? (UPSC CSE 2025, GS PAPER-3) (Answer in 250 words,15 marks)

The Introduction:

India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and subsequent COP26 (2021) have demonstrated increasing ambition and accountability in mitigating climate change. The country’s first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) set the framework for action up to 2030 and was further strengthened in the updated NDC submitted in 2022.

The Body:

India’s paris agreement commitments (2015):

• • India’s first NDC, submitted in 2015, included three major quantitative targets for 2030:

i) Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels.

ii) Achieve 40% of total electric power installed capacity through non-fossil fuel sources.

iii) Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through increased forest and tree cover.

• • The above two targets have been achieved well ahead of the time.

• • These goals aimed to balance India’s development needs with global climate action and were grounded in principles of equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).

Strengthening commitments at COP26 (2021):

• • At COP26 in Glasgow, India announced five enhanced climate actions (known as Panchamrit):

i) Increase non-fossil electricity generation capacity to 500 GW by 2030.

ii) Meet 50% of total energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

iii) Reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tons between 2021 and 2030.

iv) Lower emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.

v) Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070—a ground-breaking move for India.

How the first NDC was updated in 2022:

• • India’s updated NDC, officially submitted in August 2022, translates the Panchamrit targets into legal commitments:

i) Emissions intensity reduction goal increased from 33-35% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030.

ii) Target for cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources revised to about 50% by 2030.

iii) The updated NDC emphasizes sustainable lifestyles (LIFE – “Lifestyle for Environment”), green jobs, and adaptation in critical sectors, with an expanded focus on agriculture, water resources, disaster management, and vulnerable regions.

iv) India’s long-term strategy towards net-zero by 2070 is articulated alongside the NDC.

The Conclusion:

India has thus evolved from foundational targets under the Paris Agreement to robust, multifaceted climate action post-COP26 and 2022, positioning itself as a major player in both mitigation and adaptation efforts on the global stage.