India’s rapid economic expansion is increasingly being viewed as a major factor in global climate action. Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) leaders have brought into light that India is no longer just a large market, but a strategic priority for companies seeking to meet net zero goals. They stressed that Indian growth must be aligned with environmental stewardship, supply chain transformation and long-term business competitiveness.
India’s Climate and Growth Link
India is among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with annual growth of around 6-7%. This scale gives it influence over how global business responds to climate risk. SBTi leaders said India’s development path will shape low-carbon competitiveness, especially as export markets and investors increasingly demand credible climate action.
SBTi’s Role in Corporate Decarbonisation
SBTi was established in 2015 by the United Nations, CDP, World Resources Institute, WWF and We Mean Business. It provides standards for companies to set and validate science-aligned emissions reduction targets. More than 10,000 companies globally now work with SBTi, covering nearly 40% of global market capitalisation and about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.
India’s Corporate Participation Gap
India has fewer than 500 registered companies with SBTi, far below its potential. The leaders noted that Japan, with a smaller population, has around 2,000 such companies. They argued that India should aim much higher, with large conglomerates acting as multipliers by influencing thousands of suppliers across manufacturing, agriculture and logistics.
From Commitments to Implementation
The focus is shifting from target-setting to actual emissions reduction. SBTi leaders said renewable energy and energy efficiency already offer commercial benefits, often with quick payback periods. They also underlined that climate action is becoming a business necessity, not just a compliance exercise, as global trade and investor expectations tighten.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026