India's Climate Change Performance Index Ranking Drops to 28th Position
India's Climate Change Ranking Overview
Representational Image(Photo: @AbhilashaPurwar/X)
New Delhi, Nov 12: In the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) report, India has been placed 28th among 64 countries and the EU, marking a decline of five positions from the previous year. This independent assessment tool evaluates the climate mitigation efforts of various nations.
Despite the drop, India maintains a medium overall rating, achieving similar ratings in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and climate policy. The country has received commendation for its significant advancements in renewable energy.
The rankings were released during the ongoing 31st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. They are derived from scores across four categories, which include 14 distinct indicators. Notably, no country has attained a very high rating across all categories.
Consequently, the top three positions in the rankings remain unoccupied. The findings indicate that even if all nations matched the commitment levels of the leading countries, it would still fall short of averting severe climate change.
The report highlights that India's renewable energy initiatives have been bolstered by competitive procurement, support for rooftop solar projects, and incentives for domestic manufacturing. By June 2025, non-fossil energy sources accounted for 50% of the total installed electricity capacity, surpassing the previous 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target by five years. This figure includes both nuclear and renewable energy sources, differing from the actual electricity generation share.
Experts from CCPI have praised the growth in solar and wind energy, rooftop installations, and the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). India's NDC for the period 2031-2035 aims for a 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP from 2005 levels, with a target of 60% of cumulative installed electricity capacity coming from non-fossil sources, and a carbon sink of 3.5-4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
The capacity target emphasizes the need for international technology collaboration and affordable financing. Some civil society experts see potential for more ambitious targets given the recent growth, while others stress the importance of focusing on existing capacities and project pipelines to meet current goals. They also point out the disconnect between renewable energy deployment and the necessary development of transmission, distribution, and storage systems.
According to Ember, an energy think tank, India curtailed 2.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of solar energy generation to ensure grid stability from late May to December 2025, highlighting operational challenges, including limited flexibility in conventional power generation.
Investments in grid infrastructure, energy storage, demand flexibility, and adaptable power plant operations are essential to convert capacity increases into higher renewable energy generation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Experts acknowledge advancements in EVs, industrial efficiency initiatives, and appliance standards. Since January 2026, the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme has set emissions-intensity targets for 490 industrial entities.
There is a strong emphasis on setting ambitious targets, ensuring credible verification, and demonstrating actual emissions reductions. Experts have identified shortcomings in the enforcement of building codes and compliance with appliance standards in informal markets.
By August 2026, urban rail connectivity had expanded to 26 cities, showcasing public investment efforts. However, some experts advocate for improved affordability in bus services, enhanced service quality, and increased support for walking and cycling.
Opinions vary regarding absolute emissions targets. Some civil society experts suggest a gradual transition towards absolute emissions reduction pathways. A think tank expert questions the immediate feasibility of such targets in light of developmental needs and increasing electricity demand, while another expert supports the idea of reporting absolute trends alongside intensity targets.
India's NDC includes a GDP emissions-intensity target. An academic expert highlights the importance of distinguishing this commitment from recommendations for absolute reductions. Advancing clean electrification beyond transportation—particularly in industry, freight, and cooking—could lessen dependence on fossil fuels while enhancing competitiveness and energy security.