Updated Climate Targets to be Submitted to U.N. by December End

New Delhi, November 18, 2025: Updated climate targets for India will be submitted to the United Nations (U.N.) by the end of December, it was announced by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The submission will include India’s revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the 2035 period, as well as its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), as mandated under the Paris Agreement.

Deadline and Context

The declaration was made by Minister Yadav on Monday, November 17, 2025, during the high-level segment of the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil. By the terms of the Paris Agreement, NDCs are required to be updated every five years to reflect progressively higher ambition in climate action plans. The new NDC will detail India’s voluntary actions towards transitioning away from fossil fuels and improving energy efficiency use for the 2031-2035 period.

India’s Progress Highlighted

India’s significant progress on its existing climate goals was highlighted by the Minister. For example, India’s emission intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been reduced by over 36% since 2005. Furthermore, the goal of achieving 50% non-fossil fuel-based electric power installed capacity by 2030 was already surpassed five years ahead of schedule. Other initiatives, such as the newly launched Nuclear Mission and Green Hydrogen Mission, were mentioned as accelerants toward the nation’s 2070 Net Zero target.

Call for Global Action

In his address, a strong call was made for developed countries to demonstrate greater ambition. It was urged that they achieve their net-zero targets far earlier than their current deadlines. Furthermore, the obligation of providing new, additional, and concessional climate finance, estimated in trillions of dollars, was stressed. The implementation of climate goals, he stated, must be made adequate, accessible, and affordable, and must be kept free from restrictive intellectual property barriers. The current COP was called upon to be remembered as one of implementation and delivery on promises.

Key Submissions

The main documents to be submitted by December end are:

• The Revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the 2035 period, which will outline the country’s updated emission reduction and adaptation efforts.
• The first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), which will provide comprehensive information on India’s greenhouse gas emissions, progress on NDC targets, adaptation actions, and climate finance needs.

The Minister confirmed that internal processes, including Cabinet approval, were being finalized.