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16 June 2026

India–Japan Operationalise Carbon Credit Trading Framework Under Paris Agreement

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) adopts the Rules of Implementation for the India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), establishing a formal Article 6.2 framework for cross-border carbon credit generation, transfer, and climate technology cooperation.

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Key Details

The mechanism establishes how emission reductions will be verified, recorded, and allocated between India and Japan while supporting climate finance and low-carbon technology deployment.

Component

Key Provision

Policy Significance

Legal Basis

Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement

Enables bilateral transfer of carbon mitigation outcomes

Governance Framework

India–Japan Joint Committee

Oversees project approval, monitoring, and implementation

Verification System

Independent third-party validation and verification (V&V)

Ensures environmental integrity and credibility

Carbon Accounting

Synchronised national registries

Prevents double counting of emission reductions

Credit Allocation

Shared use of verified emission reductions

Supports both countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Investment Objective

Deployment of low-carbon technologies

Facilitates climate finance and technology transfer

Safeguards

Sustainable development requirements

Protects environmental and community interests


Summary

India and Japan Operationalise a Bilateral Carbon Market Framework

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has adopted the Rules of Implementation for the India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), operationalising the bilateral carbon-crediting framework under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The mechanism allows emission-reduction projects in India to generate internationally recognised carbon credits while facilitating Japanese investment and low-carbon technology deployment.

Governance, Verification, and Carbon Accounting Form the Core Architecture

The framework establishes a Joint Committee to approve and oversee projects, mandates independent third-party validation and verification, and creates synchronised national registries to record carbon-credit issuance and transfers. These provisions are designed to ensure transparency, prevent double counting, and maintain the environmental integrity of credited emission reductions.

Supporting Climate Finance and Technology Transfer

The mechanism enables verified emission reductions to be shared between India and Japan and counted toward their respective Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By providing a recognised framework for carbon-credit generation, the JCM is expected to support climate finance flows, technology transfer, and investment in sectors such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and industrial decarbonisation.

Strengthening India’s Carbon Market Ecosystem

The adoption of the implementation rules adds an international dimension to India’s evolving carbon market architecture and complements domestic initiatives aimed at improving emissions accounting, verification, and carbon-credit trading.


Policy Relevance

  • Creates Certainty for International Carbon Projects: A formal implementation framework provides clear rules for project approval, verification, and carbon-credit transfers, reducing regulatory uncertainty for investors.

  • Supports Technology Transfer and Industrial Decarbonisation: The mechanism can facilitate the deployment of advanced low-carbon technologies in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and heavy industry.

  • Strengthens Carbon Market Integrity: Independent verification requirements and synchronised registries help prevent double counting and improve transparency in carbon-credit transactions.

  • Expands Access to Climate Finance: A recognised bilateral crediting framework can attract additional investment into emission-reduction projects and clean-energy infrastructure.

  • Advances India’s Climate Commitments: The mechanism provides an additional pathway to support India’s long-term decarbonisation goals while strengthening participation in emerging international carbon markets.


Follow the Full News Here: India and Japan Adopt Rules of Implementation for Joint Crediting Mechanism Under Article 6.2 of Paris Agreement

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