India’s Panchamrit Policy pledges net-zero emissions by 2070 alongside an ambitious goal to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity and meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030. The realization of these goals depends not only on technological innovation or financial mobilization but also on the democratic quality and institutional design of climate governance. This article examines the Panchamrit Policy through a comparative political ecology framework, analysing how centralized authority, regulatory weakening and civic exclusion constrain inclusive climate transitions. We contrast India’s top-down implementation model with decentralized and participatory frameworks from Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka through a comparative political ecology framework, revealing how democratic deficits–especially in fiscal federalism, subnational empowerment and public participation–pose systemic challenges to equitable climate action. Our findings show that without reforms to embed environmental democracy, restore institutional pluralism and strengthen civic accountability, the Panchamrit commitments risk becoming technocratic pledges lacking democratic legitimacy, as centralized decision-making, weakened regulatory oversight and the exclusion of subnational and civil society actors limit transparency, participation and the effective implementation of climate goals. While comparative experiences in South Asia provide insights, they are not unqualified success stories but reveal parallel democratic and institutional weaknesses that constrain the scope of lessons for India. Key policy insights Embedding participation and accountability within India’s Panchamrit framework can improve delivery of climate targets. Climate-responsive fiscal devolution to states and local bodies is essential for aligning national commitments with subnational capacity and priorities. Strengthening regulatory oversight and data transparency can enhance credibility and enforcement within climate governance. Institutionalizing environmental democracy by protecting civic space and integrating community monitoring can help to ensure that India’s net-zero transition remains socially equitable.