How India is Scaling Sustainability for Global Competitiveness

India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, is on an ambitious path to becoming the third-largest economy by 2027. But alongside this rapid expansion, the nation is also setting global benchmarks in sustainability.

As the world grapples with climate challenges, India has committed to reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. These efforts are deeply integrated into the country’s economic strategy, proving that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The WBCSD India Connect 2025, held on February 26-27 in Mumbai, spotlighted India’s green and regenerative production models, positioning the country at the forefront of sustainable global competitiveness.

Building Resilient, Low-Carbon Infrastructure

India is heavily investing in sustainable infrastructure to support its transition into a global economic powerhouse. Key government initiatives such as:

• National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)
• National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)
• PM Gati Shakti Plan
• National Logistics Policy

…are shaping an equitable and sustainable development model that generates employment, enhances accessibility, and boosts production.

Additionally, India is working with Germany and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to integrate low-carbon technologies into construction projects. Innovations like prefabricated materials are helping cut embodied carbon emissions by up to 15.6% while reducing costs and increasing resilience to climate impacts.

Empowering Indian SMEs with Sustainability

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), sustainability is no longer just an option—it’s a competitive advantage. India’s digital infrastructure has already transformed financial inclusion and service delivery and is now driving supply chain transparency.

WBCSD’s Partnership for Carbon Transparency (PACT) enables SMEs to track and share emissions data, improving global trust. Carbon accounting tools integrated into India’s digital ecosystem can help businesses streamline sustainability reporting.

By embracing green supply chains and circular production, Indian SMEs can position themselves as preferred suppliers in global markets, strengthening India’s export potential.

Scaling Renewable Energy: India’s Green Hydrogen Leadership

India’s renewable energy leadership continues to expand, with a focus on:

• Biofuels & ethanol blending
• Green hydrogen & ammonia
• Flex-fuel vehicles

At India Energy Week 2024, Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reaffirmed India’s commitment to producing 5 million metric tons (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

With significant trade agreements in place and more on the horizon, India is becoming a global leader in green hydrogen and renewable ammonia markets.

The Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) rules further accelerate renewable energy adoption, ensuring a future-ready energy infrastructure.

Transforming Indian Agriculture Through Sustainability

India’s agriculture sector, a key pillar of the economy, is undergoing a sustainability revolution. The Digital Agriculture Mission is equipping farmers with:

• Real-time data and insights
• Advanced support systems
• Climate-smart farming techniques

At the India Digital-Agri Conference 2024, Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted how digital tools can enhance decision-making, improve yields, and boost rural incomes.

To fully scale sustainable agriculture, India needs:

• Robust finance frameworks that integrate climate considerations
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to ensure capital flows efficiently
• Fair risk distribution so that farmers, often the most vulnerable, are not left behind

Circular Economy: Retaining Value in India’s Growth Story

As India’s middle class expands, circular production models are critical to minimizing resource waste.

Startups and digital innovation are pivotal in accelerating circularity, from recycling and reusing materials to optimizing waste-to-value systems.

To achieve large-scale circular economy success, India must:

• Embed circularity into industry policies
• Encourage collaboration across government, businesses, and civil society
• Build efficient waste management systems

A circular economy will protect natural resources and strengthen India’s competitiveness in global markets.

India’s Green Future: A Model for the World

India is proving that economic growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. From low-carbon infrastructure to renewable energy and circular economy models, the country is setting a global precedent for responsible development.

As global demand for sustainable solutions rises, India’s green production, climate finance, and regenerative agriculture innovations could solidify its position as a global sustainability leader.

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