India fell 13 places to 23rd in CCPI 2026. The main reasons cited were heavy dependence on coal, lack of a timeline for coal phase-out and disputes over renewable projects. The report called India a “medium performer”.
New Delhi. India has suffered a major setback in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2026). This time India has slipped 13 places to 23rd rank. The reasons given by experts behind this have raised many serious questions – what was missing in India’s climate policy that the country’s rating went from “high performing” to “moderate”?
India drops in global climate index: What went wrong? (India Drops in Global Climate Index: What Went Wrong?)
The climate crisis is continuously increasing globally and the countries of the world are trying to fulfill their promises to reduce pollution. Meanwhile, a big news came out – India’s global climate performance ranking has fallen to 23rd place, whereas last year India was in the top-10. According to the latest report, India has got 61.31 points and the reason given for this is the increase in the use of coal and no fixed time limit to reduce it.
The CCPI 2026 report was released by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network at the COP30 conference. The report clearly states that India remains one of the largest coal producers in the world and auction of new coal mines continues. This is the reason why questions have been raised on India’s progress.
But is that all the story? Let us understand in detail.
What is the real reason for India’s Climate Rank falling?
Several reasons have been cited for India’s decline in rank—the biggest of which is the absence of a national timeline to exit coal.
Key Points:
- Auction of new coal mines continues
- No reduction in fossil fuel subsidies
- Environmental controversies over renewable energy sites
- 2070 net-zero target considered ‘weak’
The report also said that even though India has done well in renewable energy, solar rooftop, and energy efficiency programs, its dependence on coal held back all the progress.
Has India lagged behind in renewable energy?
According to CCPI experts, India has definitely taken some strong steps-
- Energy Efficiency Program since 2006
- PAT scheme for industries since 2012
- Record renewable energy auction
- falling solar tariffs
- To achieve 50% non-fossil electricity capacity before 2030
- But despite these achievements, India has got a ‘low score’ in the renewable energy category.
Reason?
- Large solar projects are increasing land disputes, displacement, water crisis and environmental threats.
Is India’s 2070 net-zero target enough?
- India’s 2070 net-zero target, says report
- The 1.5°C global temperature target is not in line with this.
- Experts also pointed out these shortcomings:
- No clear regional roadmap for 2035 and 2040
- Accountability of states is not fixed
- Less consultation with civil society and affected communities
- Continued expansion of fossil fuels domestically
Is Coal Dependency Harming India’s Climate Progress?
- CCPI country experts said India:
- Among the countries with the world’s 10 largest coal reserves
- Planning to increase coal production in the coming years
- No deadline has been set to exit coal
- From here India’s score fell.
Why did the rank fall despite record progress in Renewable Energy?
The report shows that India has already achieved 50% capacity from non-fossil sources, ahead of the 2030 target. Solar rooftop capacity has reached 20.8 GW. Participation of private companies in the auction has been historic, but issues such as land disputes, displacement, environmental damage and opposition from local communities over large-scale renewable projects have weakened India’s ranking.
Who is ahead and who is behind in the world ranking?
No country in top 3 because “nobody tried hard enough”
- Among top countries- Denmark: 4th (80.52 points)
- UK, Morocco ahead
- At the bottom – Saudi Arabia: Last
- Iran: 66
- America: 65
No country in the world got the first three places because according to the report “no country is doing enough to stop dangerous climate change.”
Is India Losing Climate Leadership?
- India is a big player in global climate action.
- India maintains a strong position on the international stage
- Investment is increasing rapidly in renewable energy
- Reforms in green finance and carbon markets have begun
But unless India has a clear coal exit plan, involvement of local communities and state-level climate roadmaps, improvement in the ranking will remain difficult.
Does India have a chance to be in the top 10 again?
India is still in the medium performance category but experts believe that by improving policies, India can return to the top-10. Expert advice:
- Clear timeline for coal phase-out
- end fossil subsidies
- Promote decentralized renewable energy
- Strengthening eco-protection norms
- Priority to vulnerable communities
If India works fast on these points, the ranking may improve in the next CCPI report.