CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP ON STRENGTHENING SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES OF INDIAN ARMED FORCES
Conceived by NITI Aayog and TERI, a high-level consultative workshop designed to strengthen sustainability initiatives within the Indian Armed Forces was held on 3rd December 2024 in New Delhi. The event brought together senior leadership, including Shri BVR Subrahmanyam (CEO, NITI Aayog), Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (VCOAS), Dr Vibha Dhawan (DG, TERI) and representatives from all three wings of the Armed Forces.
The initiative provided a unique platform to deliberate on the intersection of defense preparedness and sustainability, addressing themes such as renewable energy integration, green training practices, waste management through circular economy approaches, and the resilience of coastal infrastructure against climate change impacts. The Armed Forces shared existing best practices—ranging from renewable energy projects in high-altitude regions to waste segregation, sustainable infrastructure, EV adoption, and large-scale afforestation—while also highlighting challenges such as balancing operational readiness with ecological stewardship.
The event emphasised the Armed Forces’ capacity to lead India’s energy transition by showcasing scalable solutions like hybrid renewable energy models, advanced training simulators for reducing environmental impact, circular waste management frameworks, and nature-based resilience strategies for vulnerable coastal and border regions. It also emphasized the need for cross-sectoral collaboration with research institutions, industry, and policymakers to embed sustainability into defense operations without compromising security.
By aligning with India’s national commitments—such as the Net Zero target for 2070 and the National Biofuel Policy—the initiative sets a strategic roadmap for transforming military infrastructure and operations into exemplars of green leadership. Ultimately, Shaping a Greener Future positions the Indian Armed Forces not only as defenders of national security but also as pioneers of sustainable development and climate resilience.