A total of 10.5 million new direct jobs could be created by the low-carbon economy in India.

This is according to a new study by Global Climate Network and The Energy Resources Institute (TERI), which suggests the renewables sector will be a major source of employment growth, the Press Trust of India reports.

Forecasting strong expansion of the solar, wind and bio-fuel power markets, the report points to the leading role being played by Indian firms in the development of such technology.

Entitled Low Carbon Jobs in an Interconnected World, it notes the importance of international collaboration and predicts high levels of new positions will be created in China, the US, Nigeria and South Africa as green energy markets grow.

Arabinda Mishra, director of TERI's climate change division, believes: "Technology, jobs or economic growth and finances or resources are going to be important to help us in solving the conundrum in the negotiations at the international level."

Meanwhile, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India has suggested 27.88 million new manufacturing roles will be generated in India by 2015 as the sector expands.