India Faces Climate-Resilient Growth Challenge Amid Economic and Environmental Risks

India faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with urgent climate action, as it is the world's third-largest greenhouse gas emitter but still has a significant portion of its population living in poverty without basic amenities. The traditional view of development versus climate action is a false dichotomy; instead, India’s growth model must integrate climate resilience to protect health systems, agriculture, and livelihoods. Competitive growth in India is now increasingly measured by resilience to climate risks and the ability to maintain progress amid crises such as heatwaves, floods, and economic shocks. Historically, development projects worldwide have often caused environmental and social harm, underscoring the necessity of integrating environmental considerations alongside development and security goals. Ahead of COP30, business coalitions warn that current national climate plans are inadequate to meet the 1.5°C target, urging governments to set ambitious goals and reform financial incentives to accelerate investment and innovation in clean technologies. Despite slow progress, significant advancements have been made in reducing the costs and increasing the deployment of renewable energy and cleaner grids, highlighting a positive trajectory in the global climate transition.