India has called for a balanced approach to global shipping decarbonisation, opposing blanket carbon taxation while advancing domestic efforts to green its maritime sector, reports Delhi's Hindustan Times.
At the UN's Marine Environment Protection Committee sessions in 2023 and 2024, India urged more realistic targets for net-zero fuels and warned that overly ambitious mandates could lead to unsustainable investments and premature technologies.
India opposed a proposed US$100-per-tonne global carbon tax on shipping emissions, citing concerns over its impact on developing economies. It advocated for a "Common But Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities" framework to ensure fairness in global climate policy.
Domestically, India is implementing the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030 to modernise ports, improve logistics, and reduce emissions. The Harit Sagar guidelines promote renewable energy, electrification, and cleaner fuels at major ports.
Ports such as Deendayal, Visakhapatnam, New Mangalore, and VOC Port have begun generating more renewable energy than they consume. Ten highway corridors have been designated for zero-emission trucks to support green logistics.
Pilot projects include electric catamaran water taxis and hybrid LNG-battery ro-ro vessels. Startups like Blue Energy Motors are developing LNG-powered trucks with plans to expand into electric freight transport.
India's maritime transition is supported by public-private partnerships, targeted subsidies, and R&D investment. Officials say this strategy will help meet climate goals while maintaining trade competitiveness amid emerging carbon border adjustment mechanisms.