India’s long-term development and climate ambitions advanced as NITI Aayog released comprehensive studies outlining pathways to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047 and the country’s Net Zero emissions target by 2070. The reports mark India’s first government-led, multi-sectoral and integrated assessment of how economic growth and climate transition can progress together over the coming decades.
The think tank is releasing 11 reports on February 9 and 10, 2026, with the first three volumes unveiled at a high-level event at the Ambedkar International Centre. The launch brought together senior government officials, policymakers, economists and climate experts, underscoring the strategic importance of the exercise.
Together, the studies evaluate multiple development scenarios that balance India’s growth aspirations, social priorities and international climate commitments.
A central conclusion of the assessment is that India can achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 under all scenarios studied, while remaining aligned with its Net Zero commitment. The reports note that coal consumption is likely to rise until 2047, even as energy intensity declines and efficiency improves. This highlights the need for a calibrated, just and realistic transition instead of abrupt shifts that could disrupt growth or livelihoods.
The studies draw on historical trends, existing policies, and additional interventions needed to accelerate electrification, improve energy efficiency, promote circular-economy practices, and encourage behavioural change through Mission LiFE.
One key report, Scenarios towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero: Financing Needs, estimates that India will require about $22.7 trillion in cumulative investment by 2070 to meet its Net Zero goal. Of this, nearly $6.5 trillion is a financing gap that must be addressed through greater access to global capital, innovative financial instruments and stronger international cooperation.
Another volume, focusing on the macroeconomic implications, outlines both the opportunities and challenges of the transition. While green growth could support employment creation, new industries and technological leadership, the report also flags potential trade-offs affecting GDP growth, public finances and trade competitiveness.
It further warns of risks posed by climate change itself, particularly to agriculture, infrastructure and public health, alongside emerging challenges such as carbon-linked trade barriers.
Addressing the launch event, Suman Bery said India’s development pathway would hold critical lessons for the Global South. He noted that the Net Zero target offers a framework for thinking beyond 2047 and stressed the importance of realistically assessing financial, technological and diplomatic resources.
B. V. R. Subrahmanyam outlined five core pillars of India’s Net Zero strategy:
- Electrification of energy use
- Greening electricity generation
- Demand moderation through Mission LiFE
- Enhanced circularity and efficiency
- Access to affordable external finance
He highlighted that nearly 85 percent of India’s 2047 infrastructure is yet to be built, presenting a rare opportunity to integrate climate-friendly design from the outset and potentially leapfrog into global leadership in clean technologies.
Tanmay Kumar, Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reiterated India’s commitment to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities in meeting climate goals.
Meanwhile, V. Anantha Nageswaran described the report series as a rigorous benchmark that would inform future policy debates on balancing growth with sustainability.
By presenting a detailed, evidence-based roadmap, the NITI Aayog studies position India’s development strategy as a potential model for other emerging economies. The message is clear: economic growth and climate action need not be opposing forces. With careful planning, adequate finance and global cooperation, India aims to pursue both on its own terms and in line with global responsibilities.
