New Delhi/Geneva, June 5: India showcased its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) and renewable energy standardisation initiatives at the World Trade Organization’s Trade and Environment Week 2026 in Geneva, highlighting its progress in climate action, clean energy transition and sustainable development.
The special event, organised on World Environment Day, brought together experts and senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to present India’s policy and regulatory initiatives aimed at building a low-carbon economy.
During the event, officials highlighted India’s achievements under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and outlined the country’s approach to balancing economic growth, energy access and environmental sustainability.
According to the presentation, India has already achieved several key climate targets ahead of schedule. Officials said the share of non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity generation capacity reached 53.21 per cent by March 2026, surpassing the target of 50 per cent set for 2030 nearly five years in advance.
The event was also informed that India’s emissions intensity of GDP declined by 37.38 per cent between 2005 and 2022, exceeding the NDC goal of a 33-35 per cent reduction by 2030.
Officials reiterated India’s commitment to the principles of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), stressing the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing climate change.
A key focus of the event was India’s evolving carbon market architecture. Participants were briefed on the national framework being developed under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, which seeks to establish an electronic carbon credit trading platform and use market-based mechanisms to encourage greenhouse gas emission reductions.
The session also highlighted progress under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, including the notification of emission thresholds and technical criteria for classifying hydrogen as “Green Hydrogen”. Officials said the standards are intended to provide transparency and certainty for investors, producers and consumers while supporting the growth of a domestic green hydrogen ecosystem.
Separately, India and Japan held discussions on June 2 during the WTO event on transparency and unilateral trade-related climate measures. The talks focused on concerns that certain climate-linked trade measures could create unnecessary barriers to international trade, particularly for countries and stakeholders with limited compliance capacities.
The WTO Trade and Environment Week served as a platform for India to present its experiences in carbon markets, emissions standards and environmental governance while contributing to global discussions on sustainable and inclusive pathways for addressing climate change.
Officials said India’s participation reflected its commitment to constructive engagement on international trade and environmental issues and provided an opportunity to showcase domestic policy initiatives and regulatory developments before the global community.
