India Emerges as a Global Sustainability Leader: Piyush Goyal at CII’s Global Sustainability Summit

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, has reaffirmed India’s position as one of the best-performing G20 nations in meeting sustainability commitments. Speaking at the CII’s 20th Global Sustainability Summit in New Delhi, the Minister underlined how India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has transformed sustainability from a policy agenda into a national movement.

India’s Leadership at COP21 and Beyond

Goyal recalled India’s decisive role during the Paris Climate Agreement (COP21) in 2015, when Prime Minister Modi rallied the global south and ensured that the voices of developing nations were heard. “Without PM Modi’s intervention, COP21 would not have achieved consensus. He got the world together to accept sustainability as a collective responsibility,” said the Minister.

He stressed that India has gone far beyond rhetoric, expanding renewable energy targets five-fold since 2014 and building an interconnected “One Nation, One Grid” system that powers India’s clean energy ambitions.

Renewable Energy: Globally Competitive and Scalable

Highlighting India’s achievements, Goyal said that the country has already installed 50% of its targeted renewable energy capacity and is on track to reach 500 GW by 2030. With competitive pricing, renewable power in India is now available at ₹4.60–₹5.00 per kWh for 24-hour supply—rates unmatched globally.

Transparent bidding has reduced solar tariffs drastically, from ₹7–8 per unit to just ₹2.41. According to Goyal, India now has the capacity to offer round-the-clock renewable energy at rates that make the nation a global clean power hub.

Startups, Innovation and Everyday Efficiency

The Minister called on startups to innovate in water management, energy efficiency, and waste recycling. Referring to the UJALA scheme, which replaced millions of incandescent bulbs with LEDs, he highlighted how small interventions can yield transformational results.

He also cited Prime Minister Modi’s call for smart solutions in daily life—like automated street-lighting systems controlled by sensors—as an example of how innovation can deliver both efficiency and sustainability.

Resilient Supply Chains and Atmanirbhar Bharat

According to Goyal, India’s supply chains are now resilient and self-reliant, no longer dependent on external disruptions. This resilience, coupled with the resolve of 1.4 billion Indians, is enabling India’s economy to grow at 7.8% in the first quarter of this fiscal year—the fastest among major economies.

“India today contributes 18% to global growth, and as we move towards becoming the third-largest economy, our foundations of sustainability and inclusivity will remain central,” he added.

Sustainability Beyond Energy

For India, sustainability goes beyond renewable power and emissions. Goyal emphasized the importance of water conservation, addressing climate-related risks like flash floods and cloudbursts, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

He also spoke about recycling, pointing out that less than 1% of textile waste in India is recycled, while global markets are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. “Cleaning our rivers and oceans can save aquaculture and generate value from waste,” he said, urging industries to adopt PM Modi’s ‘Zero Defect, Zero Effect’ mantra—where quality and sustainability go hand in hand.

Global Trade and FTAs

On the international front, Goyal noted that India is actively expanding trade partnerships. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have already been signed with Mauritius, Australia (Phase 1), UAE, UK, and the EFTA bloc. Negotiations are ongoing with the EU, Chile, Peru, Oman, and others. Importantly, India is also in dialogue with the United States for a bilateral trade agreement, which could be a game-changer for Indian businesses.

Developed Nations Must Step Up

In a strong message to developed countries, Goyal criticized their failure to deliver on Paris commitments. “Trillions of dollars were promised, with at least $100 billion a year committed to support developing nations. But these commitments remain unfulfilled. The developed world has let us down,” he remarked.

A Sustainable and Inclusive Future

Concluding his address, Goyal reaffirmed that India’s future lies in sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. “Our credo is growth that reaches the last man at the bottom of the pyramid. With the collective commitment of 1.4 billion people, India’s future is safe, secure, and resilient—anchored on sustainability, quality, and cost competitiveness.”

Key Takeaway:
India is no longer a follower in the global sustainability conversation; it is a frontrunner. With unmatched renewable energy pricing, resilient supply chains, and a clear vision for inclusive growth, India is shaping its future—and the world’s—on the pillars of sustainability and innovation.