At the 20th Global Sustainability Summit themed “Reimagining Sustainability: Resilient. Regenerative. Responsible,” Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday emphasized that India’s sustainability model is rooted in a development strategy that harmonizes economic growth with ecological protection.
Yadav highlighted the urgent need for countries to adopt new growth models and resilient development priorities, placing sustainability at the heart of policymaking. “India’s sustainability approach balances economy and ecology at its core. Nations must redesign growth frameworks and prioritize resilient development by making sustainability central to all policies,” he said.
The minister underscored the importance of embedding sustainability into development strategies through measures such as circular economy models, nature-positive actions, green manufacturing, and promoting responsible consumption through behavioural change. “Sustainability should drive growth through comprehensive, economy-wide solutions that include circular economy principles, nature-positive initiatives, green manufacturing, and encouraging responsible practices. The focus must shift from mindless consumption to mindful utilisation,” Yadav added.
Yadav also detailed recent reforms introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to support sustainable development. He announced the enactment of the Revised Green Credit Programme on August 29, establishing a formal framework for environmental auditing nationwide. “The Ministry has updated the Green Credit Program methodology with innovative features such as private sector participation. The new Environment Audit Rules 2025, effective immediately, supplement the government’s existing monitoring and inspection systems rather than replace them,” the minister explained.
Further, Yadav unveiled the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025, identifying 24 minerals as critical and strategic for India’s economy and national security, with 29 others recognized as important for economic growth. “The Government of India has launched this mission to secure critical mineral resources. In 2025, the Ministry has also introduced amendments through forest conservation and augmentation rules to align with the mission’s objectives,” he said.
Yadav’s remarks reinforce India’s commitment to advancing sustainable development while safeguarding ecological balance and national interests.
