Context and Background:
India is set to launch its first comprehensive Climate Finance Taxonomy in August 2025, providing clear definitions for investments that qualify as climate-aligned. The move aims to mobilize both domestic and international capital towards clean energy, adaptation, and achieving India’s net-zero targets.
This taxonomy is aligned with India’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and was first announced in the Union Budget 2024 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
What is Climate Finance Taxonomy?
A climate finance taxonomy is a structured classification system that helps identify:
- Green and climate-resilient assets
- Eligible economic activities and projects
- Sectoral priorities consistent with climate mitigation, adaptation, and financing goals
Key Features of India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy
As per the final draft prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs:
- Hybrid Classification System: Includes both climate-supportive and transition-supportive investments
- Phased Rollout: A two-stage implementation—starting with a foundational taxonomy, followed by detailed sector-wise annexures
- Support for MSMEs: Strong emphasis on channeling finance towards micro, small and medium enterprises for green transitions
- Adaptation Focus: Equal weight on adaptation finance along with mitigation
- Guardrails against Greenwashing: Strong eligibility standards and verification criteria
- Alignment with National Targets: Fully integrated with India’s net-zero by 2070 goal and the Viksit Bharat 2047 development vision
Why This Matters
- Offers investors and financial institutions clarity and confidence about what qualifies as green finance
- Enables targeted policy incentives and resource allocation
- Helps India meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Boosts private sector participation in climate financing
- Positions India as a responsible and data-driven actor in global sustainable finance markets
