Union Minister Bhupender Yadav highlights India's green economy leadership at PAFI's 12th Annual Forum

The Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) successfully hosted its 12th Annual Forum, featuring a significant session titled “No Alternatives to Nature: India Inc. and the Green Economy”.

This session underscored India's strategic leadership in sustainable growth, demonstrating how the nation is effectively reducing emissions and compliance costs while simultaneously creating vast opportunities for private sector expansion within the green economy transition.

Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, joined as Chief Guest for a special fireside chat under the theme “India and the World”, and later addressed the session.

The minister emphasised that “net zero is not complex,” pointing to nature as the greatest example of balance, where food, energy, and clean air are produced sustainably. He cautioned that it is human intervention that disrupts this equilibrium, driving pollution and climate change. Stressing mindful consumption over mindless utilization, he highlighted India’s progress toward its 2070 net zero goal, with 40 percent of energy already from renewables and key international commitments on track.

The Minister also underlined the importance of circular economic practices, afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and efficient environmental clearances through reforms such as the Parivesh Portal. He reiterated that “ecology and economy must go together,” and called for greater attention to urban planning, sustainable infrastructure, and green credit policies. “India is showing that with renewables, circular economy, and efficient governance, we can meet our commitments and build a future where ecology and economy move forward together,” said Yadav.

The discussion recognised that conservation of earth has become a civilizational imperative, with millions of jobs projected in renewables, electric vehicles, and sustainable industries. Participants explored how climate finance, innovation, and policy incentives can catalyze private investment and accelerate the shift to a low-carbon economy.

The discussion was moderated by Navika Kumar, Group Editor-in-Chief, Times Network and Times Now Navbharat. Rajat Prakash, Managing Partner, Athena Legal, delivered the welcome remarks. The panel of discussants included Rishi Chawla, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Carlsberg India, and Rajeev Batra, Past President and Founding Member, PAFI. Rohan Mishra, Senior Director, Government Relations, Policy Advocacy and Strategic Issues Management at The Coca-Cola Company INSWA, concluded the proceedings with the vote of thanks.

Tags : PAFI, Bhupender Yadav, Environment, Forest, Climate Change