Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly raised the issue of climate inequality, saying developed nations emit 6 times more carbon per person compared to India. He stressed that India has made rapid progress in clean energy and urged citizens to highlight India’s low emissions record globally. Modi pointed to achievements in solar, wind, hydro and nuclear power, along with expansion of electric vehicles, hydrogen trains and metro networks.
India’s solar capacity has risen from 2 gigawatts to 160 gigawatts in 12 years. More than 50 lakh homes now use rooftop solar panels under the PM SuryaGhar Muft Bijli Yojana. Wind energy capacity has tripled, hydro power has expanded and non‑fossil energy has grown by 400%. India introduced the world’s longest hydrogen train and electric vehicle sales touched 25 lakh last year compared to only 3,000 in 2014. Metro networks grew from 250 kilometres in 5 cities to 1,000 kilometres in 20 cities. Railways achieved full electrification, saving crores of litres of diesel.
Water conservation efforts created 70,000 Amrit Sarovars and 1.5 crore rainwater harvesting structures. Natural farming spread to 12.5 lakh hectares and 3,000 climate resilient crop varieties were developed. Dense forest cover increased by 22% in 12 years. India banned single use plastic and promoted recycling through circular economy schemes. Modi said India is the only G20 nation to meet Paris COP21 goals ahead of time.
