India will reach net-zero emissions by 2070, Modi tells COP26

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world’s third-biggest emitter will zero out pollution by 2070, the boldest statement of intent at the opening of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. 

The country will increase its non-fossil fuel power capacity to 500 gigawatts by the end of the decade, he said, raising the country’s goal from 450GW. He said half of India’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2030 

Modi also committed to increasing India’s 2030 carbon intensity goal - measured as carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product -from 35% to 45%.

It will also strive to produce half of its electricity using renewable energy and cut carbon-dioxide emissions 1 billion tons from business as usual by 2030. 

The Indian leader also demanded that rich countries ramp up their contributions to help less-developed nations decarbonize. "It is India’s expectation that the world’s developed nations make $1 trillion available as climate finance as soon as possible,” Modi said. "Justice would demand that those nations that have not kept their climate commitments should be pressured.”

India’s new targets don’t mean its absolute emissions will decline by the end of this decade. The goals, if met, would help the world stem global warming significantly compared to the current trajectory.