Climate change and natural disasters were a matter of concern, PM Modi said in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Thursday, August 15.
People's concerns over natural disasters have been growing in recent years, he said.
On climate targets, PM Modi said India was the only country among G20 nations to have achieved its climate targets under the 2015 Paris Agreement ahead of schedule.
Heavy monsoon rains and flooding in several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, have claimed many lives and destroyed both public and private properties.
Devastating landslides in Kerala's Wayanad on July 30 claimed more than 230 lives and torrential rains and flooding in several other states.
"This year and over the last few years, we have all become increasingly concerned about natural disasters.
"Many people have lost their family members and property to these calamities and the nation has also suffered significant losses. I offer my condolences and assure them that the nation stands with them in this hour of crisis," PM Modi added.
Before the monsoon, India experienced one of its longest and harshest summers this year.
According to official data, the country recorded 41,789 suspected heat stroke cases and 143 heat-related deaths in the summer season. However, heat waves are not included in the list of notified national calamities.
On a positive note, PM Modi said India's efforts to tackle the global challenge of climate change have "reassured and surprised" the world.
"I want to tell the world about the strength of my country's people. My country and its people have accomplished what other G20 nations have not.
"We have met the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule. India is the only nation among the G20 countries to do so, and we are proud of it," the prime minister said.
As part of its updated national climate plan, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has committed to achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030.
"People in other countries look at me in amazement when they hear the word '500 GW'," Prime Minister Modi said.
He expressed confidence that India will meet this target.
"This is crucial for humanity and will serve as a guarantee of a bright future for our children," Modi said.
At present, the country has a power generation capacity of 446 gigawatts (GW), including around 195 GW from non-fossil energy sources.
PM Modi also outlined schemes and initiatives aimed at achieving the 2070 net-zero target, including the complete electrification of railways, the PM Surya Ghar initiative and the promotion of electric vehicles.
"India will become a global hub for green hydrogen through the Green Hydrogen Mission. We have made policies and are working rapidly in that direction," he said.
With this energy transition, a multitude of "green job" opportunities will be created and "India intends to seize these opportunities first", the Prime Minister added.
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