India confronts unprecedented growth‑emissions paradox

India is the only country compelled to simultaneously pursue rapid economic expansion and deep cuts to carbon emissions, a dual burden that former Niti Aayog vice‑chairman Rajiv Kumar described as “no other country in history” has faced. The IMF projects growth of 6.4% this year, making India the world’s fourth‑largest economy, while it has pledged to lower emissions‑intensity by 45 % from 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net‑zero by 2070.

Kumar said private investors are pulling out, foreign capital is exiting, and the country’s infrastructure, education and health deficits hinder financing the transition. He urged greater cooperation with China and Russia, citing a $100 billion trade target with Russia, to mobilise the capital needed for renewable‑energy projects and grid modernisation. Household data shows the richest Indian families emit roughly seven times more carbon than those near the poverty line.