India’s Balanced Green Transition: A Model for the Global South

As the world grapples with the complexities of climate action, several countries are facing internal resistance, political polarization, and economic pushbacks on ambitious green goals. In this volatile global environment, India stands out as a country adopting a balanced, pragmatic approach to green transition. It is neither rushing headlong into net zero pledges nor resisting climate action—it is steadily building a transition model tailored to its developmental needs.

This article explores the benefits India is reaping from this middle-path approach, and why its strategy offers lessons for the global south and beyond.

The Global Context: Green Backlash on the Rise

Before we dive into India’s approach, it’s essential to understand the climate policy pushbacks happening globally:

• Europe has seen protests over rising energy prices, farm laws, and regulatory overreach tied to the EU Green Deal.
• In the United States, Republican backlash has threatened the continuity of the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate agenda.
• Developing countries in Africa and Latin America are calling out inequities in global climate financing and tech access.

These tensions have forced many countries to pause or dilute green targets. In contrast, India is staying its course—balancing ambition with realism.

What Is India’s Balanced Green Transition Strategy?

India’s strategy can be summarized in five principles:

1. Aggressive scale-up of renewables (non-fossil fuel-based capacity to reach 500 GW by 2030).
2. Continued reliance on coal in the short to medium term for energy security and affordability.
3. Investments in energy storage, green hydrogen, and biofuels to support grid reliability.
4. Localized manufacturing to reduce import dependence.
5. Climate diplomacy that supports the Global South while holding developed nations accountable.

This blend of decarbonization with development has helped India reap tangible benefits, which we now explore in depth.

1. Massive Clean Energy Growth Without Disrupting Energy Security

India has added over 180 GW of renewable capacity as of mid-2024, up from just 76 GW in 2014. According to Reuters, the country saw its fastest renewable power output growth in three years in the first half of 2025, up by 24.4% year-on-year.

While countries like Germany have faced blackouts due to over-dependence on intermittent renewables, India’s continued use of coal as a base load source has ensured:

• Stable grid operations
• Lower power outages
• Affordable electricity to 1.4 billion citizens

Key Takeaway: India shows how to scale clean energy without destabilizing the grid or economy.

2. Energy Affordability and Access

India’s balanced path means energy prices remain stable even amid global oil shocks. Unlike Europe, where energy bills surged by over 50% post-Ukraine war, India:

• Did not pass full costs to consumers
• Maintained subsidies where required
• Expanded rural electrification with solar mini-grids and rooftop initiatives

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which gives LPG connections to rural women, and KUSUM Scheme, promoting solar pumps for farmers, are examples of green-inclusive policies.

Impact:

• Improved health outcomes by replacing biomass with clean cooking
• Productivity boost in agriculture via solar irrigation
• Energy equity for rural and marginalized communities

3. Green Job Creation and Economic Diversification

India’s solar sector created over 238,000 jobs in 2023, with projections indicating millions more by 2050. The rise of green manufacturing—solar panels, batteries, EV components—is reshaping employment patterns.

According to the Skill Council for Green Jobs:

• Solar installation jobs have increased by 150% since 2019
• Electric vehicle (EV) industry is expected to generate 10 million jobs by 2030
• Circular economy startups in plastic and e-waste recycling are booming

Case Study: ReNew Power, India’s leading renewable company, runs vocational programs for women in wind farm operations in Rajasthan, promoting green livelihoods in remote areas.

4. International Credibility and Climate Diplomacy

India’s stance is winning global respect. At COP27 and COP28, India pushed the agenda for “Lifestyle for Environment” (LiFE) and sustainable consumption patterns, encouraging:

• Mindful use of resources
• Consumer awareness over carbon-intensive lifestyles

India also plays a key role in:

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): 100+ countries driving solar cooperation
• LeadIT with Sweden: Decarbonizing heavy industries
• Voice of Global South Summits: Platforming concerns of developing nations

While wealthier nations face criticism for failing their $100 billion/year climate finance promise, India is seen as a responsible actor, aligning development with climate justice.

5. Technological Sovereignty Through Local Innovation

India is not just importing green tech—it is building it.

• PLI schemes (Production Linked Incentives) are fueling solar PV, green hydrogen, battery storage, and EV manufacturing.
• By 2030, India aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, reducing fossil fuel imports.
• In states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, offshore wind and hybrid solar–wind parks are under construction.

These innovations reduce dependency on foreign technology, boost exports, and create high-tech jobs domestically.

Example: Ather Energy, a homegrown EV startup, now exports electric scooters and has inspired dozens of climate-tech startups.

6. Strong Climate Laws and ESG Momentum

Despite not being legally required, Indian firms are voluntarily embracing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices:

• SEBI’s BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting) now covers the top 1000 listed companies.
• Green bond issuances crossed INR 30,000 crore in 2023.
• Companies like Infosys, Tata Power, and ITC are publishing detailed ESG roadmaps.

As global investors demand accountability, India’s gradual but steady ESG adoption ensures it remains attractive in global capital markets.

7. Avoiding the Pitfalls of Global Green Pushbacks

Countries that moved too fast without buffers are now backtracking or facing unrest:

• Germany had to restart coal plants in 2022
• France witnessed farmer protests over green taxes
• The Netherlands saw political shifts due to nitrogen emissions rules

In contrast, India:

• Consults stakeholders (e.g., coal workers unions, MSMEs)
• Phases out fossil use strategically instead of banning them outright
• Maintains public trust and policy continuity

This helps de-risk the transition and avoids societal pushback.

8. Integration of Nature-Based Solutions and Traditional Wisdom

India’s strategy isn’t all about tech—it includes forests, water conservation, and indigenous knowledge:

• Amrit Sarovar Mission: Reviving 75,000 water bodies
• Catch the Rain Campaign: Promoting rainwater harvesting
• Miyawaki forests in urban India: Over 1,000 have been created

By blending nature with technology, India ensures the transition is sustainable and inclusive.

A Blueprint for the Global South

India’s balanced approach isn’t just working—it’s thriving. It delivers:

• Climate ambition without economic disruption
• Clean energy growth with social equity
• International credibility without policy whiplash

Amid global green pushbacks, India’s middle path offers a viable model for other developing nations facing similar dilemmas.

As PM Modi stated at COP26, “India is not only making promises but showing results.” That pragmatic path could well define the new global narrative on sustainable development.

Summary: Key Benefits of India’s Balanced Green Transition

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