NewDelhi : Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, today announced that India will host the first-ever International Big Cat Summit on June 1 and 2 in New Delhi. Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) conference on “Future of the Global Economy, Industry and Society, and the Vision for India@100,” the Minister called upon industry leaders and corporate entities to actively contribute towards global big cat conservation efforts through partnerships, innovation, and financial support.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Shri Yadav stated that the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a visionary initiative launched under the leadership of Narendra Modi to ensure the protection and conservation of the world’s seven major big cat species — tiger, lion, cheetah, leopard, snow leopard, jaguar, and puma. He emphasized that conservation of these apex predators is essential for maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and water security across vast landscapes.
The Minister underlined the important role of the private sector in supporting conservation initiatives and noted that corporate participation can significantly strengthen habitat restoration, technology-driven monitoring systems, wildlife surveillance, community-based conservation programmes, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building measures. He urged industries to come forward and partner with IBCA in safeguarding wildlife and preserving ecosystems for future generations. Shri Yadav also mentioned that CII has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IBCA, reflecting growing collaboration between industry and conservation stakeholders.
Speaking on India’s economic and developmental journey towards “India@100,” Shri Yadav said the world is currently undergoing a historic transformation shaped by artificial intelligence, green technologies, digital economies, climate challenges, and geopolitical shifts. He remarked that the present period represents not merely an era of change, but a “change of era,” requiring nations to adapt with resilience, innovation, and sustainability. According to the Minister, India is uniquely positioned to emerge as a global leader by balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility and inclusive development.
Highlighting India’s achievements in clean energy and climate action, Shri Yadav informed that the country has become the world’s third-largest nation in renewable energy installed capacity. He stated that India’s cumulative solar energy capacity has grown from just 2.82 gigawatts in 2014 to 150 gigawatts as of March 2026. He further noted that nearly 50 percent of India’s installed electricity generation capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources, a target achieved well ahead of the 2030 deadline.
The Minister also highlighted India’s progress in reducing emissions intensity, stating that the country successfully reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 36 percent between 2005 and 2020. Referring to India’s first Biennial Transparency Report submitted under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement framework, he said the report reflected a 37.38 percent reduction in emissions intensity while maintaining low per capita emissions and exceeding non-fossil fuel energy targets ahead of schedule.
Outlining the broader vision for India’s centenary year in 2047, Shri Yadav said that economic transformation, skill development, sustainable growth, social inclusion, and India’s expanding global leadership role would form the foundation of a developed nation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an inclusive, innovative, self-reliant, and environmentally sustainable India that contributes meaningfully to global peace, prosperity, and ecological balance.