How the SBTi is meeting India’s corporate climate momentum

One of the strongest impressions from the visit was the scale and complexity at which Indian companies operate. Large conglomerates manage some of the world’s most extensive supply chains, infrastructure systems, and manufacturing networks—often spanning thousands of suppliers and multiple global markets. As these businesses continue to expand domestically and internationally, their approach to climate action is bound to have implications far beyond India’s borders.

Across meetings and events, a clear shift in the conversation stood out. Indian companies are no longer asking why to act on climate, but how to implement credible transition plans while also continuing to grow in a rapidly evolving economic and policy landscape. 

So far, 445 Indian businesses have set or committed to setting science-based targets. That progress is noticeable, and is positioning companies with targets to be better prepared for a climate-constrained future. Evidence shows that companies with science-based targets are better positioned to manage transition risk, strengthen resilience, and maintain investor and customer confidence.

In conversations with business leaders, a recurring theme was the need for climate frameworks that are credible, globally recognized, aligned with the latest science, and above all, practical to implement in a fast-evolving economy with complex supply chains. Leaders spoke candidly about operational challenges—engaging vast supplier networks, planning long-term investments amid policy uncertainty, and balancing rapid growth with emissions reduction. For many, climate ambition is now firmly framed as necessary to long-term business viability in a carbon-constrained world.

It was also encouraging to hear how companies are beginning to embed climate considerations more deeply into business decision-making. Leaders in heavy-emitting industries described investments in low-carbon technologies and efforts to work more closely  with suppliers to reduce emissions across value chains. Several companies shared how they are moving beyond target-setting toward embedding climate considerations into procurement, capital allocation, and long-term business strategy.

At the same time, significant challenges remain. Balancing expansion with emissions reductions is particularly complex in fast-growing markets. Scope 3 emissions were consistently raised, especially where supplier ecosystems include thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises, creating data and engagement challenges that no single company can address alone.

These discussions reinforced how the SBTi’s role is evolving. Increasingly, our focus is on supporting implementation—helping companies translate ambition into practical action through clear standards, sector-specific guidance and collaboration with ecosystem partners. This is particularly relevant for energy-intensive industries, large supply-chain companies, and export-oriented businesses navigating growing expectations from global markets. We also enable peer learning and practical support, sharing real-economy examples of measurable outcomes from Indian companies already taking action.

Many of the questions raised during the week—particularly the need for clearer implementation pathways and flexibility for complex operating environments—directly connect to the development of the SBTi’s updated Corporate Net-Zero Standard. The latest draft introduces a simpler, more streamlined structure designed to make science-based climate action more accessible and actionable globally. It maintains net-zero as the north star, while introducing new ideas—from updated target-setting methods to recognition schemes for going above and beyond.

What stood out most during my time in India was the sense of momentum combined with pragmatism. Companies are looking for ways to align continued economic growth with credible climate action, and many are already taking meaningful steps in that direction. If India succeeds in scaling science-based implementation across complex supply chains and high-growth sectors, it could offer valuable lessons for other large economies navigating the same transition. 

We are ready and excited to continue working alongside Indian companies as they turn ambition into measurable action—and as their leadership helps accelerate progress toward global climate goals.