India is set to roll out its first carbon market by mid-2026, a significant step in its push to cut emissions and move toward its net-zero target by 2070. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar confirmed the timeline at Prakriti 2025, an international conference on carbon markets. The Indian Carbon Market (ICM) will operate as a market-based mechanism, giving financial incentives to industries and governments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Soft Launch to Test Market Readiness

Before the full-fledged launch, a soft rollout of the ICM is planned to iron out technical and operational issues. Officials believe this trial phase will help fine-tune the trading platform, ensuring a smoother transition when the market formally begins.

Khattar expressed confidence that preparations were progressing on schedule, with regulatory and technical groundwork being laid. Experts say a well-tested market will avoid volatility and inefficiencies that could undermine its credibility.

Nine Industries to Be Assigned Emission Targets

Ahead of the market’s launch, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which operates under the Power Ministry, is setting sector-specific emission intensity targets. These targets will be assigned to nine key industries:

Iron and steel
Aluminum
Chlor-alkali
Cement
Fertilizers
Pulp and paper
Petrochemicals
Petroleum refineries
Textiles

These sectors are among the highest contributors to carbon emissions in India. The BEE will establish an emissions trajectory for each industry up to 2030, aligning with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Phased Implementation of Emission Reductions

The government is adopting a staggered approach to emission reduction targets, considering that industries have different levels of technological readiness and costs associated with lowering emissions.

Some industries may be required to meet 40% of their reduction targets by 2027.
The remaining reductions will be mandated by 2030.

This phased rollout gives industries time to adapt and invest in cleaner technologies without facing immediate financial stress. It also allows sectors that lag behind in emission control to catch up without being penalized upfront.

How the Carbon Market Will Function

The Indian Carbon Market will operate under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), which the government finalized in July 2024. The scheme consists of two key components:

Mechanism	Purpose
Compliance Mechanism	Industries must meet set emission norms during each compliance cycle. Those exceeding their reduction targets will earn carbon credit certificates.
Offset Mechanism	Entities that voluntarily cut emissions beyond their required reductions can trade excess credits in the market.

This dual approach allows businesses to either meet their compliance requirements or profit from additional reductions. Industries unable to meet targets will have the option to buy credits from others, creating a financial incentive for lowering emissions.

Future Outlook and Challenges

While the Indian Carbon Market is an ambitious initiative, challenges remain. Experts highlight concerns such as pricing volatility, enforcement mechanisms, and ensuring transparency in emissions reporting. There is also the risk of industries passing carbon credit costs onto consumers.

Despite these hurdles, the government sees the ICM as a long-term solution to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. If successful, it could position India as a global leader in carbon trading, setting an example for other emerging economies.