India's cautious 2035 climate goals shape global outlook

India's cabinet approved a revised 2035 climate strategy that sets a 47% reduction in emissions intensity from 2005 levels and a 60% clean-power target for the electricity mix by 2035, while analysts say the plan is cautious and may allow absolute emissions to rise.

India's cabinet has endorsed a revised Nationally Determined Contribution that extends the country's climate strategy through 2035. The plan emphasizes reductions in emissions intensity rather than absolute cuts in greenhouse gases. It was published more than a year past an earlier United Nations deadline and follows modest recent moves by other large emitters. Main points: - The cabinet-approved plan sets a 47% cut in emissions intensity from 2005 levels by 2035, up from a previous 45% by 2030 target. - The strategy aims to raise the share of clean power in India's electricity mix to 60% by 2035 from about 53% today. - The plan focuses on emissions per unit of economic output rather than absolute emissions, and some analysts and Climate Action Tracker say this approach could allow total emissions to keep rising. - Officials and experts cite energy security, evolving global trade and conflict dynamics, and limited international financing as factors shaping India's cautious approach. Summary: The revised NDC narrows near-term expectations for deeper absolute emissions cuts among several of the world's largest emitters and is described by supporters as balancing growth and resilience. The government frames the targets as steps toward net zero by 2070. Undetermined at this time.