India Stays Committed to Paris Agreement, 2035 NDC Deadline Still Unclear

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India remains committed to addressing climate change and meeting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement. The Union Environment Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that the country has taken several measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including a goal to decrease emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 and source 50% of its energy from non-fossil fuel-based sources by the same deadline. The ministry clarified that the NDC for 2031-35 was finalized after a thorough stakeholder consultation, which is yet to be publicly disclosed. This comes after India's National Statement at the COP 30 in Brazil, where it was announced that the country would declare its revised NDC targets for 2035. In response to questions from DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh provided details on the Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change (PMCCC). Established in 2007 and last reconstituted in 2015, the council's terms of reference include coordinating India's response to climate change, overseeing action plans for climate assessment, adaptation, and mitigation, and monitoring key policy decisions. The PMCCC's last meeting took place on April 25, 2025, where discussions centered on climate scenarios, India's climate actions, and the target of achieving Net Zero by 2070. The council is chaired by the Prime Minister and comprises various ministers, officials, and experts. The exact timeline for submitting the 2035 NDC remains unclear, with the ministry citing the need for further stakeholder consultation and approval from the competent authority.