Balancing Act: India's Path to Sustainability and Economic Growth

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran cautions that India's sustainability and climate goals should not hinder its economic growth. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Economic Conclave, he emphasizes the importance of acknowledging trade-offs in energy transition and the fiscal impact on development goals.

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran issued a stern warning about the challenges India faces in balancing sustainability goals with economic aspirations. Addressing the Bengal Chamber AGM, he stressed the critical trade-offs involved in energy transition, fiscal stability, and banking soundness.

Nageswaran praised India's performance among G20 nations in emission mitigation but emphasized the difficulty in achieving sustainability goals. He warned against consigning developing nations to underdevelopment in the pursuit of becoming developed economies by 2047.

Highlighting fiscal vulnerabilities, he noted that retiring fossil fuels could erode government revenues and impact banking stability. Nageswaran urged the expansion of renewable sectors and stressed the importance of global cooperation on finance, technology, and adaptation strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)