Focusing on sustainability, green growth essential to become developed nation by 2047
We must be mindful that while we achieve our aims of a Viksit Bharat, we must leave a cleaner planet not just to meet environmental targets, but for our collective prosperity. India has already made significant progress in this direction, exemplified by initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
India has fulfilled its Paris Agreement commitments on green energy nine years ahead of the 2030 target, notably the only G-20 country to do so. We must continue to pursue actual climate action and not succumb to political posturing.
Over the past decade, India has significantly diversified its energy sources, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. At COP26, the country set an ambitious target of 500 gw of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. As of November 2024, India’s installed non-fossil fuel capacity reached 205.52 gw, a 396per cent increase over the past 8.5 years, now constituting 42per cent of the nation’s total energy capacity.
Solar power, in particular, has seen remarkable growth, with installed capacity surging from a modest 2.5 gw in 2014 to approximately 94.16 gw by November 2024. The private sector has also played a pivotal role, with companies like Adani Green Energy Limited leading the charge by achieving an installed power capacity of 10,000 mw as of April 2024.
To decarbonise challenging sectors such as steel and cement, the government is prioritizing green hydrogen. The National Green Hydrogen Mission positions India as a global hub for producing, utilizing, and exporting green hydrogen. By 2030, the country aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually. In January 2025, the Prime Minister inaugurated a ₹1.85 lakh crore green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh, spearheaded by NTPC Green. This landmark project will produce 1,500 tonnes of green hydrogen daily and 7,500 tonnes of sustainable derivatives such as green methanol, making it one of the largest green hydrogen initiatives in the world.
By 2047, India’s electric vehicle market will also mature. India’s auto sales in electric vehicles rose to 6.3per cent in 2023, from 1.75per cent in 2021, a growth of 260per cent. This momentum is likely to continue, driven by increasing consumer demand, improved infrastructure, and robust government initiatives such as the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme. If these trends persist, India is well-positioned to become the world’s largest EV market.NITI Aayog expects the EV market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 49per cent year on year, and has set a target of 30 percent of total auto sales to be EVs in India by 2030.
By 2047, India could lead the world in climate resilient infrastructure. Architectural techniques from traditional Indian architecture, designed for passive cooling, can complement the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), which incentivizes energy-efficient buildings that can reduce energy demand and withstand extreme weather events. Indian water management systems, like stepwells, tanks, and rainwater harvesting, can be revived under programs like Jal Shakti Abhiyan to improve water security and resilience to droughts.
As Prime Minister Modi envisions, India’s path forward is uniquely Indian, blending tradition and modernity. By fostering global partnerships, and championing economic diplomacy, India will emerge as a leader for the Global South, offering a model of progress rooted in resilience and inclusivity.
