India’s Role in Global Climate Negotiations: Balancing Growth and Responsibility

The impact of climate change is being felt all over the world. The Sixth Assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has categorically stated that the Earth’s temperature in the decade 2011-20 has risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial levels. This growing global carbon emission underscores the urgent need for collective action by all nations to mitigate these risks.

Like other countries, India is committed to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the framework of the Conference of Parties (COP). It has taken the path of convenient action which is rooted in our civilization ethos and lead the way in global climate action.

India has always had a deep respect for nature owing to its philosophical and ancient texts. The saying from Artha Veda, “The Earth is our mother and we are her children”, forms an important part of our belief and has been transformed into strong and practical action. India has also moved from being a follower in global efforts to becoming a leader through careful policies, public participation, and a strong push for clean energy and sustainability.

India’s Emergence as A Leader in Global Climate Negotiations

India’s efforts in global climate action began in 2015 when it took a leading role in global climate negotiations in Paris and played a pivotal role in forming the Paris Agreement. The first NDC at COP21 also represented our sincerity and owning responsibility to the global community for a greener world.

In the same year, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was formed, spearheaded by India and France, to scale up solar energy and reduce the cost of solar power generation. This impetus provided a significant boost to Renewable Energy, making India fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity.

India’s Five-Point Climate Action Plan, or Panchamrit, announced in Glasgow during COP26, aims to combat climate change through focusing on five key elements. This includes reducing carbon emissions, cutting carbon intensity of the economy by less than 45% by 2030, fulfil 50% of energy requirements from renewable resources by 2030, creating 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel energy capacity, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Championing Equity and Climate Finance

India has also emerged as a powerful voice when it comes to the importance of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities. Marking the 10th year of the Paris Agreement, India has also highlighted that climate finance continues to be the key barrier to raise ambition and calling for the legal obligation of developed countries to provide finance to developing countries.

India also launched Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) in COP26, joined by Prime Ministers of Australia, Fiji, Jamaica, Mauritius, and the UK, demonstrating its ability to lead global solidarity for climate vulnerable nations.

Way Forward

India’s vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047 requires it to maintain a delicate balance between ecology and economy, or prakriti and pragati. It requires India to work just as hard on its action towards mitigating climate change as well as promoting and gathering support of countries in the Global South and other low and middle-income countries.

India’s international climate initiative embody the philosophy, the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family. Through platforms such as The International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance, LEED-IT, and International Big Cat Alliance, India demonstrates its commitment to walking the talk, sharing solutions with other countries and being a leader in global climate governance. India has shown that climate leadership requires not just scientific understanding but the wisdom to align you in action with natural harmony.