PM Modi Highlights India’s Low Per-Capita Carbon Emissions

India points to low per-capita emissions and faster clean-energy progress in its climate journey.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s per-capita carbon emissions remain less than half the global average, arguing that developing countries should not be disproportionately held responsible for global emissions. He made the remarks while inaugurating the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” in New Delhi on September 19. Modi highlighted India’s progress in renewable energy and other environmental sectors over the past 12 years. He also said India had achieved several commitments under the Paris climate framework ahead of schedule. Government data shows that non-fossil sources accounted for 54.18% of India’s installed power capacity as of June 2026, after the country crossed the 50% milestone in 2025. He further discussed the potential expansion of nuclear energy, noting that environmental concerns could lead to legal challenges. The conference brought together environmental experts, judicial representatives and policymakers from India and other countries to discuss climate challenges and environmental governance.