India’s failure to submit its updated climate action plan at the COP30 summit in Brazil has drawn international attention and criticism, as the world’s third-largest emitter delays crucial commitments amid growing climate concerns.
The United Nations climate summit COP30, currently underway in Belem, Brazil, has highlighted India’s conspicuous absence in submitting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are mandatory five-year updates outlining each country’s climate targets. With around 120 of 196 member countries having already submitted their plans, India’s delay is particularly notable given its status as a major carbon emitter. International assessments have labeled India’s current climate actions as “worryingly inadequate,” adding pressure on Delhi to act. The Paris Agreement’s goals of limiting warming to 1.5-2°C are at risk without more ambitious pledges from all nations.
India’s environment minister, Bhupender Yadav, announced during the summit that the country would not submit its NDC until the end of December, defying expectations that it would do so at COP30. This decision comes despite previous deadlines in February and September being extended due to widespread non-compliance. The delay has raised eyebrows among other delegations, especially as China, another top emitter and usual ally, has already submitted its plan. Yadav’s stance emphasizes that developed countries must provide greater financial and technological support before India commits to stronger targets.
In his statements, Yadav argued that global climate progress cannot rely solely on negotiations and that developed nations bear historical responsibility for emissions. He called for “trillions, not billions” in climate finance and earlier net-zero targets from wealthy countries. This position reflects a broader divide between developed and developing nations, where the latter demand more support to transition away from fossil fuels. The issue of climate finance has been contentious, with developing countries rejecting the $300 billion annual offer from developed nations as insufficient and opaque.
India points to its achievements, such as meeting the goal of 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels ahead of the 2030 deadline, as evidence of its commitment. However, independent analyses contradict this optimism. The Climate Action Tracker rates India’s climate actions as “highly insufficient,” noting that coal still accounts for about 75% of electricity generation, far above the 19% needed to align with 1.5°C goals. Similarly, the Climate Change Performance Index shows India dropping 13 spots to 23rd place, criticizing its continued reliance on coal and lack of a phase-out timeline.
Recent reports underscore the urgency: the UN emissions gap report indicates India had the highest increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, and UNEP warns that current policies could lead to 2.8°C of warming by century’s end. At COP30, discussions are focusing on a potential roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, putting additional spotlight on India’s delayed plan. The summit’s outcomes may influence whether India adjusts its approach in response to international criticism.
As COP30 progresses, the world watches to see if India will uphold its promise to submit the NDC by December and whether it will address its coal dependency. The delay highlights broader challenges in global climate governance, where equity and finance disputes hinder collective action. The implications extend beyond India, affecting the credibility of the Paris Agreement and the feasibility of averting catastrophic climate change.
