Union Minister calls on Indian industry to integrate sustainability with innovation to secure global edge

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, described clean industrialisation as a key driver of economic expansion, innovation and resilience while addressing the Special Plenary on ‘Green Growth: Aligning Sustainability with Competitiveness’ at CII IndiaEdge 2025.

Yadav highlighted India’s economic fundamentals and ongoing progress in sustainable development. He said, “Clean industrialisation is not a constraint; it is a catalyst for economic expansion, innovation, resilience, and future prosperity,” and underlined the importance of decarbonising manufacturing to maintain export competitiveness and mitigate potential carbon-related trade barriers.

He outlined government measures supporting the country’s green industrial transition, including the GST 2.0 reforms, which have reduced tax rates from 12 per cent to 5 per cent on renewable energy equipment, electric vehicles, biodegradable plastics and effluent treatment plants. The Minister encouraged industry to invest in green manufacturing, implement sustainable practices across supply chains and scale relevant technologies.

Other initiatives highlighted included the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025, the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets, the revised Green Credit Programme, and the Environment Audit Rules 2025.

Yadav also drew attention to the role of the Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), noting that EPR could formalise informal workers, support recycling revenues and generate up to 33 lakh green-skilled jobs. He cited CII’s initiatives, including output-based Circular Economy PLI and Green Public Procurement, as examples of steps aimed at strengthening India’s circular economy and domestic manufacturing base.

Concluding, the Minister urged industry to integrate sustainability with competitiveness through research and development, green manufacturing and collaboration with MSMEs. “India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat@2047 is not just about growth; it is about inclusive, resilient and sustainable prosperity,” he said.