India's Union Cabinet has approved targets for the third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aiming for a 47% reduction in emissions intensity from 2005 levels by 2035. Public procurement is highlighted as a critical tool to drive demand for low-carbon steel and cement, which are essential for the country's infrastructure projects but also significant sources of emissions. The steel sector alone contributes 10-12% of India's total emissions and faces challenges such as high costs for green hydrogen-based production. While green steel may be 25-40% more expensive to produce, it only marginally increases overall project costs. The article emphasizes the need for procurement reforms, including embedding environmental criteria in purchasing decisions and standardizing definitions to support low-carbon materials. Such measures can create a level playing field for producers and drive innovation, ultimately contributing to India's climate goals.