India Achieves G20 Climate Goals Ahead of Schedule

India has become the first G20 nation to meet its climate targets set under the 2015 Paris Agreement ahead of schedule, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The country aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030 and become a global hub for green hydrogen.

India has emerged as the lone G20 nation to meet its climate targets under the 2015 Paris Agreement ahead of schedule, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on Thursday.

Speaking from the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, Modi highlighted India's substantial efforts in addressing global climate change, which he claimed have both reassured and astonished the world.

'My country and its people have accomplished what other G20 nations have not. We have met the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule. India is the only nation among the G20 countries to do so, and we are proud of it,' Modi declared.

India has pledged to reach 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030 as part of its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The current capacity stands at 446 GW, with around 195 GW from non-fossil energy sources.

In addition, Modi outlined several schemes and initiatives, such as the complete electrification of railways, the PM Surya Ghar initiative, and the promotion of electric vehicles, aimed at achieving the 2070 net-zero target. 'India will become a global hub for green hydrogen through the Green Hydrogen Mission,' Modi asserted.

Modi emphasized that the ongoing energy transition will create numerous 'green job' opportunities, positioning India to capitalize on these first. 'This is crucial for humanity and serves as a guarantee of a bright future for our children,' he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)