REDD+ plays a vital role in achieving carbon neutrality by addressing emissions from forest loss and enhancing carbon sinks. Forests absorb nearly one-third of global CO₂ emissions annually, yet deforestation and degradation remain significant sources of greenhouse gases. REDD+ provides a results-based framework for developing countries to reduce forest-related emissions while promoting biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and sustainable livelihoods. Under the UNFCCC, REDD+ has evolved into a structured mechanism implemented in three phases: readiness, implementation, and results-based payments. Its core principles include additionality, permanence, leakage prevention, and adherence to social and environmental safeguards. Global examples from Brazil, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo highlight the need for strong institutions, community participation, and effective monitoring, reporting, and verification systems. In the Indian context, the REDD+ finds alignment with India’s global climate commitments, including the Net Zero target by the year 2070 and updated NDCs of 2022, specifically NDC-1, 3, and 5, respectively, under the Paris Agreement at UNFCCC. The National REDD+ Strategy (2018) outlines steps for phased implementation and linkage with international climate finance. Key institutions such as the MoEFCC, FSI, and state forest departments support monitoring, reporting & verification, forest reference emission levels, and safeguard compliance. National programs such as CAMPA, the Green India Mission, and the recently launched Green Credit Programme of MoEFCC provide institutional and financial platforms that can be leveraged to expand REDD+ initiatives in India. However, challenges remain around coordination, legal clarity on carbon rights, and equitable benefit-sharing. Ensuring social inclusion, land tenure security, and indigenous rights is critical for REDD+ to effectively support India's climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development objectives.