NITI AAYOG RELEASES STUDY OUTLINING PATHWAYS TO VIKSIT BHARAT 2047 AND NET ZERO BY 2070
New Delhi, Feb 10, 2026 : NITI Aayog on Monday released the first set of study reports outlining India’s development pathways towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 while progressing towards Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070. The reports form part of India’s first government-led, multi-sectoral and integrated assessment of long-term development and climate transition scenarios.
The think tank is releasing a total of eleven reports on February 9 and 10, 2026. The initial three volumes were launched at an event held at the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi in the presence of senior government officials, policymakers and experts.
The studies assess multiple development scenarios that balance economic growth, India’s development priorities and its climate commitments. They examine historical trends, existing policies and additional measures required to accelerate electrification, improve energy efficiency, promote circularity, encourage behavioural change under Mission LiFE, and enable rapid adoption of low-carbon technologies.
According to the findings, India can achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 under all assessed scenarios while remaining aligned with its Net Zero commitment. The reports note that India’s coal consumption will go up till 2047 even as energy intensity decreases and efficiency goes up, while meeting Net Zero goals, underscoring the need for a calibrated and just transition.
One of the key reports released, Scenarios towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero: Financing Needs, estimates that India will require an unprecedented investment of about $22.7 trillion by 2070 to achieve Net Zero, with a financing gap of approximately $6.5 trillion that will need to be bridged through external sources and stronger global capital integration.
The Macroeconomic Implications report highlights both opportunities and trade-offs associated with the transition, including impacts on GDP growth, employment, trade and public finances. It also flags risks posed by climate change to agriculture, infrastructure and public health, along with challenges arising from carbon-related trade barriers.
Addressing the event, NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery said India’s development pathway would be influential for the Global South, noting that the Net Zero target provides a framework for thinking beyond 2047. He emphasised the importance of assessing financial, technological and diplomatic resources needed to achieve these goals.
NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam outlined five core pillars of India’s Net Zero strategy: electrification of energy use, greening electricity generation, demand moderation through Mission LiFE, enhanced circularity and efficiency, and access to affordable external finance. He said nearly 85 per cent of India’s 2047 infrastructure is yet to be built, presenting an opportunity to embed climate-friendly design from the outset and enabling India to leapfrog into global leadership in clean technologies.
Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Tanmay Kumar reiterated that India would adhere to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities while meeting its Net Zero commitments.
Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran described the studies as a rigorous and comprehensive benchmark that would guide future policy discussions on balancing economic growth with green transition.
The report series positions India’s development model as a potential role model for emerging economies, demonstrating how growth and climate action can be pursued together in line with national priorities and global responsibilities.