India
India ranks 10th in this year’s CCPI, remaining among the highest performers. India receives a high ranking in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories, medium in Climate Policy, and low in Renewable Energy.
India held general elections from April to June, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being re-elected for a third term. This means major changes in climate policy are unlikely. The growth-oriented approach to climate action is expected to continue or intensify, driven by rising energy demand from industry and the population, rather than a focus on decarbonisation or equity – with substantial differences between states and local exceptions.
Strong Progress in Renewables, Especially Solar
While India is the world’s most populous country, it has relatively low per capita emissions and low energy use. Renewables have rapidly expanded over the last decade and India strives for an international leadership role in green energies. The CCPI country experts expect India to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). However, they emphasise that targets should be included for sectors beyond emissions and electricity. Domestically, sectors such as transport, industry, housing, and water are regulated, and the CCPI experts recommend also including these in the NDC.
In this past year, India has seen considerable progress in renewable energy policy, particularly in large-scale solar power projects and the launch of the Rooftop Solar Scheme. However, our experts are calling for more support for rooftop and other off-grid solar systems. Energy efficiency standards have been introduced, but coverage remains inadequate. India is also advancing in electric vehicle deployment, especially two-wheelers.
Continual Reliance on Coal, Need for NDC Revision
Despite the positive developments, India remains heavily reliant on coal, with the experts noting that its phase-out is progressing too slowly. India is among the 10 countries with the largest developed coal reserves, and is currently planning to increase its production.
The experts’ recommendations include revising the country’s NDC to set more ambitious absolute emissions reduction targets across more sectors. The energy transition also should be accelerated while ensuring a just transition.
Key Outcomes
- India ranks 10th in this year’s CCPI, remaining among the highest performers
- Despite the positive developments in renewables, India remains heavily reliant on coal
- Key demands: Revising the country’s NDC to set more ambitious absolute emissions reduction targets across more sectors
CCPI Experts
- Shikha Bhasin (Council on Energy, Environment and Water)
- Ashwani Ashok (Center for Environment & Energy Development)
- D.Raghunandan (All India Peoples Science Network)
- Nakul Sharma (Climate Action Network South Asia)
