Piyush Goyal says India ranks among G20 leaders in climate action, citing rapid renewable energy growth, power-sector reforms and a 500GW clean energy target by 2030.
India is among the leading performers in the G20 in meeting its climate commitments and has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy and climate action, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a dialogue titled “Advancing Resilience with Climate Change” in New Delhi, Goyal said India has consistently ranked among the top countries in the G20 in achieving its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
He said the country has already reached 260 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, achieving its earlier targets eight years ahead of schedule.
Goyal recalled that when the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, India had set a solar energy target of 20 gigawatts over nearly a decade. The target was later raised to 100 gigawatts and achieved within the prescribed timeframe.
“India has now set an ambitious goal of reaching 500 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2030,” he said.
The minister also highlighted India’s role in international climate negotiations, saying the country played a key role during the Paris COP21 summit by helping bridge differences between developed and developing nations and contributing to a consensus-based agreement.
According to Goyal, India has moved from being viewed as a reluctant participant in climate discussions to becoming a proactive global leader in climate action.
On the economic front, he said India is strengthening trade and investment ties with more than a dozen countries and regions, including partners across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Eurasia.
“Global confidence in India’s growth story is rising, and the world recognizes India as a key partner in expanding economic opportunities,” he said.
Goyal also pointed to major reforms in the power sector, particularly the implementation of the “One Nation, One Grid” initiative, which integrated regional electricity networks into a unified national grid.
The initiative has improved the efficiency of power distribution and helped reduce costs across the country, he said.
The minister said climate action in India is no longer viewed solely as an obligation but increasingly as an economic opportunity. As an example, he cited the rapid nationwide adoption of LED lighting, which was achieved within just three years through a combination of policy support, innovation and behavioural change.
Calling for broader participation in sustainability efforts, Goyal urged individuals, industries and governments to work together in achieving climate goals. He said simple actions such as conserving energy and water would play an important role in ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
Concluding his address, Goyal invoked the principle of trusteeship and urged all stakeholders to act responsibly for future generations.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting climate action initiatives and called for a collective effort to build a sustainable and resilient future.
Source: The DD News
