India’s G20 Presidency and the Alignment of Economic Policies with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: India’s Leadership in Global Economic Governance

India’s assumption of the G20 presidency in December 2022 marked a transformative moment in global economic governance. Under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” India steered international discourse toward inclusive growth, climate action, and accelerated progress on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda [1]. This presidency represented not merely a ceremonial role but a strategic opportunity to align domestic economic policies with international commitments while addressing the developmental needs of the Global South.

The G20 represents a powerful coalition of nations accounting for more than 80 percent of global GDP, 75 percent of international trade, and encompassing 60 percent of the world’s population [2]. India’s leadership came at a critical juncture when the world grappled with multiple crises including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, rising inflation, and the urgent need to address climate change. Through its presidency, India successfully advocated for 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents, demonstrating unprecedented diplomatic achievement in steering consensus among diverse economies.

This article examines how India’s economic policies and legal frameworks align with G20 objectives, particularly focusing on sustainable development goals. It explores the regulatory mechanisms, legislative instruments, and judicial precedents that form the backbone of India’s approach to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Legal Framework: Constitutional and Legislative Foundations

Constitutional Provisions for Environmental Protection

India’s commitment to sustainable development finds its roots in the Constitution itself. Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates that “the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.” Similarly, Article 51A(g) imposes a fundamental duty upon every citizen “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.” These constitutional provisions establish the legal foundation for India’s environmental jurisprudence and its alignment with global sustainability objectives.

The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, to include the right to a clean and healthy environment. This expansive interpretation has enabled courts to address environmental degradation as a fundamental rights violation, creating a robust framework for enforcing sustainable development principles through judicial intervention.

The Environment Protection Act, 1986: Umbrella Legislation

The Environment Protection Act of 1986 serves as India’s principal legislative instrument for environmental regulation. Enacted as Act No. 29 of 1986 under Article 253 of the Constitution, this legislation emerged as a direct response to the Bhopal gas tragedy and India’s participation in the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 [3]. The Act came into force on November 19, 1986, providing the Central Government with comprehensive powers to protect and improve environmental quality.

Section 3 of the Act empowers the Central Government to take measures for protecting and improving environmental quality, including laying down standards for emissions and discharges of environmental pollutants, restricting areas for industrial operations, and prescribing procedures to prevent environmental pollution. The Act defines “environment” broadly under Section 2(a) to include “water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property.”

Section 5 grants the Central Government authority to issue directions to any person, officer, or authority for environmental protection, including powers to order closure, prohibition, or regulation of any industry, operation, or process. Section 15 prescribes penalties for violations, including imprisonment for up to five years with fine, or both, demonstrating the Act’s stringent approach toward environmental offences.

The Act has been implemented through various rules and notifications addressing specific environmental concerns such as the Coastal Regulation Zone Notifications of 1991 and 2011, the Wetland Conservation and Management Rules of 2010 and 2017, and numerous standards for emission and effluent discharge. These regulatory frameworks directly support India’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13 on climate action, Goal 14 on life below water, and Goal 15 on life on land.

Judicial Interpretation: Case Laws Shaping Environmental Jurisprudence

Landmark Judgments Establishing Sustainable Development Principles

Indian courts have played a pivotal role in interpreting and enforcing environmental laws through progressive judgments. The case of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India has become synonymous with environmental protection in India, spawning multiple landmark decisions that have shaped the country’s approach to sustainable development.

In M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1986), AIR 1986 SC 1086, following the Oleum gas leak at Shriram Food and Fertilizer Industries in Delhi, the Supreme Court introduced the doctrine of absolute liability for enterprises engaged in hazardous activities [4]. The Court held that an enterprise carrying on hazardous or inherently dangerous activity owes an absolute and non-delegable duty to the community to ensure that no harm results from such activity, regardless of whether it has taken reasonable care. This doctrine went beyond the traditional rule of strict liability established in Rylands v. Fletcher by eliminating all exceptions and making liability absolute.

The judgment established that the magnitude of compensation must be correlated with the capacity of the enterprise to pay, reflecting the deep pockets theory. This principle ensures that large industrial enterprises cannot escape their environmental responsibilities by paying nominal compensation, thereby promoting responsible industrial practices aligned with sustainable development objectives.

Application of Sustainable Development in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1996)

In another significant decision, M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1996), decided on October 11, 1996, the Supreme Court applied principles of sustainable development while addressing mining operations near tourist areas in Haryana [5]. The Court observed that the traditional concept treating development and ecology as opposed to each other is no longer acceptable, and “sustainable development” is the answer. The judgment explicitly recognized sustainable development as part of the law of the land.

The Court referenced the Brundtland Report’s definition of sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This principle has since become a cornerstone of Indian environmental law, influencing numerous subsequent decisions and policy formulations.

The Taj Trapezium Case: Cultural Heritage and Environmental Protection

The Taj Trapezium case, M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1997) 2 SCC 353, represents one of the most significant environmental judgments in Indian legal history. The Supreme Court, in its decision dated December 30, 1996, addressed the deterioration of the Taj Mahal caused by industrial pollution [6]. The Court found that pollutants from coal and coke-consuming industries were causing severe damage to the monument within the Taj Trapezium Zone, a 10,400 square kilometer area surrounding the Taj Mahal.

The judgment mandated the closure or conversion of 292 industries to cleaner fuels, specifically compressed natural gas, within the Taj Trapezium Zone. The Court applied the precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, and sustainable development doctrine, demonstrating how environmental law can protect both natural resources and cultural heritage. This decision established a precedent for prioritizing environmental protection over immediate economic considerations when cultural and environmental values are at stake.

Public Trust Doctrine in M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath

In M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1997) 1 SCC 388, the Supreme Court recognized the public trust doctrine as part of Indian law. The case involved unauthorized construction by Span Motels on forestland near the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. The Court held that the State is the trustee of all natural resources meant for public use and cannot convert them into private ownership [7]. The judgment stated that natural resources, environmental assets, and ecological systems cannot be permitted to be eroded for private, commercial, or any other use unless the resource is publicly owned and the uses serve public interest.

The Court cancelled the lease granted to the motel and directed restoration of the area to its original natural condition, along with payment of compensation for environmental restitution. This doctrine aligns perfectly with the G20’s emphasis on sustainable resource management and intergenerational equity, core principles of the 2030 Agenda.

National Action Plan on Climate Change: Policy Framework for Sustainable Development

Overview and Objectives

India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, launched on June 30, 2008, represents the country’s commitment to addressing climate change while pursuing developmental objectives [8]. The NAPCC operates under the guidance of the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change and outlines strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation through eight national missions.

The Plan is guided by seven key principles: protecting poor and vulnerable sections through inclusive and sustainable development sensitive to climate change; achieving national growth through ecological sustainability; devising efficient and cost-effective strategies for demand-side management; deploying appropriate technologies for adaptation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions; engineering innovative market, regulatory, and voluntary mechanisms for sustainable development; implementing programmes through civil society and local government partnerships; and welcoming international cooperation for research, development, and technology transfer.

The Eight National Missions

The NAPCC comprises eight missions addressing critical sectors. The National Solar Mission, launched in 2010 as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, initially targeted 20 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2022, later revised to 100 gigawatts by Prime Minister Modi in 2015. The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, approved in 2009, mandates energy consumption decreases in large energy-consuming industries with tradeable energy-saving certificates.

The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, approved in 2010, focuses on energy efficiency in buildings through the Energy Conservation Building Code, improved urban planning, efficient public transport, and better waste management. The National Water Mission, launched in 2011, addresses water conservation and management, particularly critical given that India possesses only 4 percent of the world’s water resources despite having 17 percent of its population.

The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem focuses on protecting the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, while the National Mission for a Green India, launched in 2014, aims to increase forest cover by 5 million hectares and improve quality on another 5 million hectares. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture promotes climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices. Finally, the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change facilitates knowledge networks and international collaboration on climate science.

Aligning NAPCC with G20 Objectives and Sustainable Development Goals

The NAPCC missions directly align with multiple SDG targets. The Solar Mission contributes to SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy and SDG 13 on climate action. The Enhanced Energy Efficiency Mission supports SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. The Sustainable Habitat Mission addresses SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities. The Water Mission directly targets SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation. The missions on sustainable agriculture and green India contribute to SDG 2 on zero hunger and SDG 15 on life on land.

During India’s G20 presidency, these domestic commitments found expression in international forums. India successfully advocated for the G20 2023 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by G20 Development Ministers in Varanasi in June 2023 [9]. This multi-year living document guides future G20 efforts toward implementing the 2030 Agenda, building upon the 2016 Action Plan and its subsequent updates.

India’s G20 Presidency: Key Achievements in Sustainable Development

India’s G20 presidency achieved remarkable consensus on critical sustainability issues. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration unanimously adopted by all G20 members reflected India’s inclusive approach. Key outcomes included commitment to the Green Development Pact promoting integrated, balanced, environmentally sustainable, and inclusive economic growth; agreement to triple renewable energy globally by 2030; acceleration of zero and low-emission hydrogen production; and scaling development and climate finance from billions to trillions of dollars.

The presidency established a dedicated Working Group on Empowerment of Women, recognizing gender equality as central to sustainable development. India’s passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, reserving one-third of Parliament and state assembly seats for women, exemplified this commitment domestically while advocating for women-led development internationally.

India championed Digital Public Infrastructure as a transformative tool for SDG achievement. The Digital Public Infrastructure Repository, featuring over 50 DPIs from 16 countries, enables developing nations to build, adopt, and scale digital infrastructure for inclusive growth. India’s own experience with Aadhaar, UPI, and Digilocker demonstrated how DPI can revolutionize service delivery, financial inclusion, and governance.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite significant achievements, challenges remain in fully aligning economic policies with sustainable development objectives. The NAPCC has faced implementation difficulties including limited budgetary allocations, coordination issues among multiple implementing ministries, and gaps between targets and actual achievements. The Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change, which oversees NAPCC implementation, has faced criticism regarding transparency and accountability.

India requires an estimated $2.5 trillion in investments to achieve its climate goals, with most funding needed from capital markets rather than government budgets alone. This financing gap presents a significant challenge in scaling up renewable energy infrastructure, sustainable agriculture practices, and climate adaptation measures. The G20 platform provides opportunities for mobilizing international climate finance and technology transfer to bridge these gaps.

Environmental enforcement remains uneven across states due to variations in institutional capacity, political will, and resource availability. The National Green Tribunal, established under the National Green Tribunal Act of 2010, handles environmental cases but faces backlogs and resource constraints. Strengthening regulatory institutions, improving monitoring systems, and ensuring swift justice in environmental matters remain priorities for effective implementation of sustainable development policies.

Conclusion

India’s alignment of economic policies with G20 objectives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represents a multifaceted approach combining constitutional commitments, legislative frameworks, judicial activism, and policy initiatives. The Environment Protection Act of 1986 provides the legal backbone for environmental regulation, while landmark Supreme Court judgments have established sustainable development, precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, and public trust doctrine as integral parts of Indian environmental jurisprudence.

The National Action Plan on Climate Change operationalizes these principles through eight missions addressing energy, water, agriculture, forests, and knowledge systems. India’s G20 presidency translated these domestic commitments into international consensus, achieving unprecedented outcomes in renewable energy targets, climate finance, digital infrastructure, and women’s empowerment.

As the world approaches the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda, only 12 percent of SDG targets remain on track globally. India’s experience demonstrates that sustainable development requires integrated approaches combining legal frameworks, policy instruments, technological innovation, financial mobilization, and inclusive governance. The challenge ahead lies not in conceptualizing sustainable development but in scaling up implementation, ensuring adequate financing, strengthening institutional capacity, and maintaining political commitment across changing administrations.

India’s journey from the Stockholm Conference of 1972 to the G20 presidency of 2023 reflects growing environmental consciousness and institutional capability. As the country pursues its ambition to become a $10 trillion economy by 2030, maintaining balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability will define its success not only in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals but also in contributing to global climate action. The legal and policy frameworks established thus far provide a strong foundation, but their effective implementation will determine whether India’s vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” translates from aspiration to reality.

References

[1] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2023). Towards a Brighter Tomorrow: India’s G20 Presidency and the Dawn of a New Multilateralism. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1980993 

[2] Invest India. (2023). India’s Presidency in G20 in 2023. Available at: https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-india-blogs/indias-presidency-g20-2023 

[3] Central Pollution Control Board. (n.d.). The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Available at: https://cpcb.nic.in/env-protection-act/ 

[4] iPleaders. (2022). MC Mehta vs. Union of India (1986): Case Analysis. Available at: https://blog.ipleaders.in/mc-mehta-vs-union-of-india-1986-case-analysis/ 

[5] Indian Kanoon. (1996). M.C. Mehta vs Union Of India & Ors on 11 October, 1996. Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1084083/ 

[6] Wikipedia. (2025). M. C. Mehta v. Union of India and Others. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._C._Mehta_v.Union_of_India%26_Ors. 

[7] Wikipedia. (2025). M. C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._C._Mehta_v._Kamal_Nath 

[8] National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2010). India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2822162/ 

[9] G20 India. (2023). G20-2023 New Delhi Update. Available at: https://www.g20.in/content/dam/gtwenty/gtwenty_new/document/G20-2023-New-Delhi-Update.pdf 

Published and Authorized by Rutvik Desai