Systems Perspectives on India’s Pathways to Viksit Bharat 2047 and Net Zero 2070
These proceedings draw on a participatory modelling workshop convened by WRI India and explore how India can align its Viksit Bharat 2047 ambition with its Net Zero 2070 pathway. They bring together diverse perspective on the macroeconomic and distributional outcomes, natural resource implications, and finance considerations of India's long-term decarbonisation.
The workshop builds on NITI Aayog’s long-term scenario analysis, which is anchored in India’s dual ambition of rapid economic growth and deep decarbonisation. Through a systems thinking lens, the participants discussed the cross-sectoral implications of climate action in terms of macroeconomic outcomes, resource use, and investment flows. The proceedings highlight the scale of the transition and the central role of the power sector in driving economy-wide change. They underscore risks of carbon lock-in, uneven regional and labour impacts, and rising pressures on land, water, and critical minerals. Persistent barriers, including data gaps, institutional constraints, and underutilised finance, further complicate implementation. Overall, the discussions emphasise the need for coordinated, systems-driven planning, stronger financial and governance frameworks, and a just, resource-efficient approach to India’s low-carbon transition.