India is the third-largest energy consumer globally, contributing about 7% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With a projected 90% increase in its urban population by 2050, energy consumption and GHG emissions are expected to surge in urban areas. In 2018, India's per capita GHG emissions were 2 metric tons, ranking 74th globally, with a 6% annual increase over the last decade. Today, approximately 75% of the power production in India is met by coal, with new capacity being added. Renewables represent 19% of the power generation and show an increasing trend of installed capacity.

India will shift from a low-income-based economy to a middle-income economy, 80% of households will be middle-income, increasing ownership of electrical appliances and vehicles by 15%-20% by 2030. India is a hot country and has been affected by an increase in the duration and frequency of heat waves affecting the urban population. Increased heat exposure and higher population income lead to a fast surge in the use of air conditioning devices with annual growth rate of around 15% projected to continue until 2028, which is expected to boost the electricity demand.

India has the opportunity to curb energy demand and emissions through low-carbon urban planning, crucial for meeting its Paris Agreement commitments. Reliable data on urban energy use and emissions is needed to track progress. India has pledged to reduce GHG emissions per unit of GDP by 33%-35% by 2030, based on 2005 levels, but lacks specific targets for urban emissions due to insufficient data.