India's per capita carbon footprint below global average, PM Modi highlights solar and non-fossil gains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at Delhi Climate Week, emphasizing that India's per capita carbon footprint remains well below the global average while the country expands renewable energy. He cited solar capacity rising from about 2 GW twelve years ago to over 160 GW now, with solar alone preventing around 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Wind and hydropower also grew, and India crossed 50% non-fossil installed electricity capacity in 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 Paris target. The speech frames India's climate push as part of a cultural tradition of living in harmony with nature. Modi also noted increased nuclear energy and private sector participation in the clean energy transition. The numbers show real progress, though the per capita footprint claim needs context: India's total emissions are large, and the growth in non-fossil capacity is partly due to a low baseline. Still, the shift is material and the targets are being met early.