Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Calls for Resilient and Responsible Growth at Global Sustainability Summit

New Delhi- Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, addressed the 20th Global Sustainability Summit in New Delhi today, stressing that sustainability must evolve into a “way of life” rather than remain a policy objective. The two-day summit, hosted by the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, drew delegates from over ten nations and leaders from Indian industry.

The Minister underscored that India’s developmental model is built on balancing economic progress with ecological responsibility, pointing out that the values of resilience, regeneration, and responsibility should anchor global growth strategies. “In a fragile international environment shaped by trade tensions and policy uncertainties, sustainability must be embraced across all sectors as a foundation of prosperity,” he said.

Yadav spotlighted a series of recent government measures aimed at strengthening India’s climate and environmental framework:

• Environment Audit Rules 2025: Establishing a transparent two-tier auditing mechanism to ensure greater environmental accountability.

• Revised Green Credit Programme: Enhancing private sector participation in eco-restoration by allowing direct involvement, setting minimum restoration benchmarks, and mobilizing green capital.

• Amendments to Forest Rules 2023: Streamlining approvals for mining critical minerals under the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025, aimed at strengthening economic security.

The Minister reiterated India’s achievements under the Paris Agreement, including early completion of climate targets, large-scale deployment of renewable energy, and pioneering waste management practices under the circular economy framework. He highlighted the expansion of forest cover, the launch of initiatives such as Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and the upcoming National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which will integrate climate adaptation into core development policies.

“India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies while leading on climate commitments,” Minister said, adding that the country’s policies provide a model for both the Global South and developed economies looking to reset their growth strategies.

Urging industries and international partners to align with India’s sustainable vision, Minister said, “By weaving resilience, regeneration, and responsibility into our economic and industrial fabric, we can together chart a course for a sustainable and inclusive future.”