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Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s relatively low per-capita carbon emissions while addressing the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” in New Delhi on September 19, 2026. The two-day conference was organised by the National Green Tribunal and brought together environmental experts, judges, policymakers and international judicial representatives.
During his address, Modi said India’s per-capita carbon emissions are less than half the global average. He argued that responsibility for emissions has often been disproportionately placed on developing countries and highlighted differences in per-capita emissions between India and developed economies.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s progress across renewable energy and other environmental sectors over the past 12 years, describing clean-energy expansion as an important part of the country’s environmental efforts.
India crossed the milestone of having 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil-fuel sources in June 2025, more than five years ahead of the target under its earlier Nationally Determined Contribution. By December 31, 2025, non-fossil sources represented 51.93% of total installed generation capacity.
India has since approved an updated Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031–35, including a target to achieve 60% cumulative installed electric-power capacity from non-fossil-fuel energy resources by 2035 and reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 47% from 2005 levels.
Modi also discussed the role of nuclear energy as India expands clean and low-carbon energy sources. The government has positioned nuclear power as part of its longer-term energy-security and net-zero strategy.
The conference is focused on environmental and climate challenges, judicial approaches, scientific knowledge, policy implementation and ways to strengthen environmental governance and institutional cooperation. Participants include representatives from India as well as judicial representatives from 17 countries.