Within just a year, India has dropped its global ranking on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). The CCPI report published at COP30 on Nov 19 places India at the 23rd spot, categorizing it among medium-performing nations, which is a decline from its 10th position last year.

The report indicates that India has secured a medium score in metrics related to GHG Emissions, Climate Policy, and Energy Use, but has received a low rating in Renewable Energy. 

This suggests that the nation is reinforcing its dedication to climate action through an established formal strategy and ambitious renewable energy targets, coupled with existing efficiency programs.

However, the report advocates for a well-structured timeline aimed at transitioning away from coal, with a long-term goal of complete elimination. This includes defining a "no-new-coal" date and identifying when coal usage might peak. It further recommends that subsidies for fossil fuels be redirected towards renewable energy projects that are community-owned and decentralized, while highlighting the necessity for more rigorous social and environmental protections for these renewable initiatives.

India has ramped up its renewable energy efforts by deploying auctions and implementing financial incentives, with CCPI analysts observing an unprecedented level of auction engagement and a steady reduction in tariffs. Notably, by 2025, India expects to obtain 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil sources, surpassing the 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) objective.

While specialists applaud progress in green finance taxonomy and a national carbon market framework, they raise concerns regarding India's heavy reliance on coal, which hinders advancement despite a strong commitment to long-term climate objectives. Currently, there is no national timeline for phasing out coal, and new coal blocks are still being auctioned.

The report also emphasizes ongoing fossil fuel subsidies and dependencies on infrastructure. India ranks among the top 10 nations with the largest developed coal resources and has plans to boost coal production. Additionally, experts voice criticism regarding inconsistent and weak signals concerning carbon pricing.

By September 2025, India achieved a total solar rooftop capacity of 20.8 GW, adding nearly 9 GW in the previous year, which constitutes about 17% of all solar installations nationwide. Nevertheless, experts express concern that the growth of large-scale renewable energy projects has led to land disputes, community displacements, and heightened water stress, due to a top-down decision-making process that lacks inclusivity in site selection.

Numerous reports have surfaced detailing human rights violations and ecological damage. The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of India set a goal for 50% of its capacity to derive from non-fossil sources by 2030, aiming to cut emissions intensity by 45% compared to 2005 levels.

However, analysts contend that the net-zero goal by 2070 does not correspond with the pathways necessary to restrict global temperature increases to 1.5°C. Furthermore, they stress the need for interim milestones for 2035 and 2040, the creation of distinct sector-specific plans, state-level accountability, and better engagement with civil society and communities affected by these changes.

India continues to uphold its position on fairness by advocating for Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) despite facing criticism. However, analysts point out that the current increase in domestic fossil fuel output raises questions about the nation's reliability in these programs.