Narendra Modi on Climate Change

Narendra Modi positions India as a global leader in climate action, framing the national strategy around the 'Panchamrit' commitments announced at COP26 in 2021, which include ambitious targets for non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He has described climate change as the world's biggest crisis, arguing that the solution requires a fundamental shift in measuring progress, specifically by suggesting the adoption of a 'green gross domestic product' to move beyond traditional metrics detrimental to the climate. Furthermore, he champions a behavioral shift through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which re-frames climate action as a people-led movement focused on conscious consumption and sustainable lifestyle choices, drawing parallels to ancient Indian ethos.

His approach has evolved from an earlier stance that suggested the climate itself had not changed, to one that highlights India's track record in delivering on Paris Commitments and leading on renewable energy capacity. He continues to advocate for climate justice, demanding that developed nations fulfill their climate finance obligations, and he seeks to position India as a model for low-carbon development coexisting with economic growth. The government has also pursued practical, innovation-led solutions, such as promoting bio-CNG from agricultural waste and launching the Global Biofuels Alliance.