Green industrialisation has emerged as both a climate imperative and a strategic necessity for India in an era of geopolitical fragmentation. Examine India's policy framework for industrial decarbonisation and analyse the challenges of ensuring a just and inclusive green transition.

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INTRODUCTION

Green industrialisation is central to India’s climate commitments (NDCs, Net Zero 2070) and economic resilience amid geopolitical fragmentation.
It aims to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors while sustaining growth and competitiveness.

INDIA’S POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR INDUSTRIAL DECARBONISATION

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and sectoral missions guide low-carbon pathways.
National Green Hydrogen Mission promotes clean fuel for steel, fertilisers, and refining sectors.
Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme incentivises industrial energy efficiency.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes support domestic manufacturing of green technologies (solar, batteries).
Carbon Market Framework (proposed Indian Carbon Market) aims to price emissions.
Renewable Energy Expansion and electrification reduce industrial carbon intensity.

CHALLENGES TO A JUST AND INCLUSIVE TRANSITION

Employment Disruptions: Shift from fossil-fuel-based sectors risks job losses without adequate reskilling.
Regional Inequalities: Coal-dependent states (e.g., Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh) face uneven transition burdens.
MSME Constraints: Limited access to finance and technology hinders green adoption.
High Transition Costs: Green technologies (e.g., hydrogen, CCS) remain expensive.
Global Trade Pressures: Measures like EU’s CBAM may disadvantage Indian exports.
Energy Access vs Decarbonisation: Balancing affordability with sustainability remains complex.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

India’s approach reflects pragmatic gradualism, balancing growth with decarbonisation.
However, policy fragmentation and weak institutional coordination may slow outcomes.
Lack of a clear “just transition framework” risks social inequities.

WAY FORWARD

Develop a comprehensive just transition policy with social protection and reskilling.
Enhance green finance mechanisms and support for MSMEs.
Promote technology transfer and international climate finance.
Strengthen federal coordination and region-specific transition strategies.

CONCLUSION

Green industrialisation must integrate economic efficiency with social equity, ensuring that India’s low-carbon transition is sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive.

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