ESG As Strategy: Redefining Business Value in India’s Emerging Economy

Abstract: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks are becoming the cornerstone of responsible decision-making in business and policy worldwide. In India, ESG is rapidly gaining momentum as both a regulatory expectation and a societal demand. This article evaluates India’s evolving ESG landscape, challenges, policy direction, and the role of public and private sectors in driving sustainability and inclusive growth.

This article presents a systemic appraisal of India’s ESG landscape—tracing regulatory milestones, market signals, institutional bottlenecks, and firm‑level incentives. It concludes by proposing a calibrated roadmap that includes standardisation, enforcement, capacity‑building, and financial innovation to ensure that ESG not only aligns with global norms—but also advances India’s developmental and climate objectives.

ESG, Sustainability, Governance, Regulatory Framework, Green Finance, Inclusive Growth, Climate Strategy, Corporate Disclosure, Viksit Bharat 2047

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