India remained in the top 10 for the second year in a row in this year's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2021, occupying rank 10, a report said on Monday.

It received high ratings in all CCPI categories, except renewable energy, where it had a medium performance.

Under the renewable energy category, India performed medium and high for its current shares of renewable energy and development of renewable energy supply in the last year, respectively.

Country experts attribute these positive developments to India's policy frameworks. They recognised the need, however, for long-term planning.

CCPI, published by Germanwatch in cooperation with NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network (CAN), results show a similar need, as India's renewable energy uptake and targets scored low and medium, respectively, for their compatibility with a well-below two degrees Celsius trajectory.

Unlike China and its BRICS partner South Africa, India has yet to announce its long-term mitigation strategy. This strategy, experts' advice, should include a post-Covid green recovery plan, including reducing fossil fuel subsidies, phasing out coal, better coordination frameworks between the central and state governments, and raising self-sufficiency by promoting domestic manufacturing in the renewables sector.

On India's engagement in international climate diplomacy, some experts indicated the country's reluctance to update its NDC, owing to fears of a lack of reciprocity from developed countries.

(IANS)