Panchamrit Declaration

The Panchamrit Declaration refers to the set of five major climate action commitments announced by the Government of India during the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Glasgow in November 2021. The term Panchamrit—derived from Sanskrit, meaning “five nectars”—symbolises a set of five significant and mutually reinforcing pledges aimed at guiding India’s transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable economy. The declaration marked a milestone in India’s environmental policy, reflecting both ambition and responsibility in addressing global climate change while pursuing developmental priorities.

Background and Context

India has long been at the centre of global climate negotiations as a developing nation seeking to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Prior to the Panchamrit announcement, India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) included reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–35% by 2030 from 2005 levels and achieving 40% of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
By 2021, with rapid advances in renewable energy and rising global pressure for stronger climate action, India unveiled the Panchamrit as an enhanced climate pledge. The announcement represented a shift from incremental targets to a structured and strategic vision that linked economic growth, clean technology, and sustainable lifestyles.

The Five Commitments

The Panchamrit Declaration consists of five major goals, often referred to as the five nectar-points of India’s climate strategy:

1. Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil-fuel energy capacity by 2030.India aims to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity—comprising solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear—so that total installed capacity from non-fossil sources reaches 500 gigawatts by 2030.
2. Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.This target underscores India’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix, reducing dependence on coal, and promoting large-scale adoption of solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
3. Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.The goal emphasises a tangible reduction in cumulative emissions through improved efficiency, technology upgrades, and transition to low-carbon industries.
4. Reducing carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.This target focuses on lowering emissions per unit of GDP, signifying cleaner production methods and increased energy efficiency across economic sectors.
5. Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.The long-term commitment establishes a timeline for India to balance its greenhouse gas emissions with absorption or offsetting, marking a structured pathway towards carbon neutrality.

Implementation Strategies

To operationalise these commitments, India has initiated several national programmes and policy measures. These include:

• Expansion of solar and wind energy projects through large-scale renewable energy parks and rooftop solar schemes.
• The National Hydrogen Mission to promote production and utilisation of green hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.
• Energy efficiency initiatives, such as the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme and electric mobility promotion through the FAME programme.
• Afforestation and carbon-sink enhancement projects to increase forest cover and improve biodiversity.
• Strengthening of grid infrastructure and energy storage systems to integrate intermittent renewable sources efficiently.

These actions are complemented by India’s promotion of the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign, which emphasises individual and collective behavioural changes for sustainable consumption and resource conservation.

Economic and Developmental Dimensions

The Panchamrit Declaration reflects India’s attempt to align environmental responsibility with economic opportunity. The renewable energy sector is projected to create millions of jobs, attract foreign investment, and reduce import dependency on fossil fuels. Technological innovation, particularly in battery storage, electric mobility, and green hydrogen, is seen as a key driver of future growth.
The government’s policy also seeks to ensure a just transition, supporting communities dependent on coal and conventional energy sectors through reskilling and diversification initiatives. This balance between ecological sustainability and economic inclusion remains central to India’s climate policy.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its ambitious vision, the Panchamrit Declaration faces multiple challenges:

• Infrastructure limitations, including grid integration and storage capacity for renewables.
• Financing constraints, as the scale of transformation requires substantial domestic and international investment.
• Technological gaps, particularly in areas like hydrogen production, carbon capture, and large-scale battery storage.
• Dependence on fossil fuels, which continue to dominate India’s energy supply due to affordability and accessibility.
• Need for international cooperation, as technology transfer and climate finance from developed nations are critical to achieving these goals.

Moreover, the interpretation of some targets, such as the 50% renewable energy requirement, has been debated—whether it pertains to installed capacity or actual energy generation remains a subject of technical clarification.

Environmental and Global Significance

The Panchamrit commitments have positioned India as a pivotal player in global climate governance. By adopting measurable, time-bound goals, India demonstrated its willingness to contribute meaningfully to global emission-reduction efforts while upholding the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
Globally, India’s progress is crucial, as it is the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and one of the fastest-growing economies. Meeting these targets would significantly influence global trajectories toward the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.

Progress and Outlook

Following the Panchamrit Declaration, India updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2022 to reflect the enhanced targets. Progress has been notable in renewable energy deployment, with installed capacity crossing 180 GW by 2024, and rapid expansion in solar and wind sectors continuing. Green hydrogen projects, electric mobility initiatives, and investments in clean manufacturing are also advancing.
The path to achieving net-zero by 2070, however, will demand sustained policy coherence, international partnerships, public participation, and innovation in clean technology. Continuous monitoring, transparent reporting, and adaptive governance will be essential for maintaining momentum.