Climate diplomacy of India
The Indian government made a bold statement on the COP26 (Conference of the Parties) at the 26th
session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by saying that-
“India would receive net zero carbon emissions by year 2070.”
In 2023, COP28 was held from 30th of
November to 12th of December, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates which had around 85,000 participants,
including more than 150 Government officials, who were among the representatives of national
delegations, civil society, business and international organizations. The main purpose of this conference
was to make a plan on how to reduce the use of fossil fuels and switch to renewable forms of energy
like solar, wind and hydroelectricity. India is surging towards a leading role in this geopolitical field,
here’s how…
❖ What is Climate Diplomacy?
One of the greatest challenges that are being faced by mankind in the 21st century is the global
climate crisis. The repercussions for our foreign policy agenda are significant and therefore a
stronger role for foreign policy in climate policy is called for – namely through climate/ climatic
diplomacy. Although there is no clear cut definition of Climate diplomacy, but the European
Commission defines four strands of climate diplomacy at the political level –
1. Committing to multilateralism in climate policy, particularly to the implementation of Paris
agreement.
2. Addressing implications of climate change on peace and security.
3. Accelerating domestic action and raising global ambition, and
4. Enhancing international climate cooperation.
❖ Role of India in Climate Diplomacy-
India plays a significant role in climate diplomacy, both at the national and international levels.
We can understand the role of India in climate diplomacy via the consecutive points:
• India has been actively involved in global climate negotiations, such as the Conference
of Parties (COP) meetings. These meetings serve as a platform for countries to discuss
and negotiate climate-related issues. India’s participation in these forums demonstrates
its commitment to addressing climate change. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to
embrace Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) epitomizes India’s commitment to
tangible actions.
• India has been advocating for a fair and equitable approach to climate action. It has
emphasized the need for developed nations to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, while also recognizing the development needs of developing countries like
India. India has played a pivotal role in ensuring that both developed and developing
nations work together to bring down emissions fairly.
• India’s climate diplomacy extends beyond its borders. The country has been involved
in bilateral and multilateral partnerships to address climate change. It has collaborated
with other nations and organizations to share knowledge, technology, and best practices
in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable development, and climate resilience.
Overall, India’s climate diplomacy involves active engagement at both the national and
international levels, advocating for fairness and equity, implementing domestic climate
policies, and collaborating with other nations to address the challenges of climate change.
Sources-
o Information-
▪ Economic times website -
https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/rising-together-indias-
cop28-resonance-for-climate-action-and-justice/106096202
▪ Hindustan Times website –
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/climate-diplomacy-must-begin-at-home-
101700747682076.html#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20findings%20of,a%20climat
e%20%27%27tsar”.
▪ Press Information Bureau (PiB) website concerning COP26-
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1945472#:~:text=India%2C%
20at%20the%2026th%20session,achieve%20net%20zero%20by%202070.
▪ United Nations – Climate Change (UNFCCC) website concerning COP28-
https://unfccc.int/cop28
o Images-
▪ https://climate-diplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/big_desktop/public/2020-
10/Climate%20Action%20for%20Peace%2C%20flags_0.jpg?itok=JeAPTUVl
▪ https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-06/life-banner1.jpg
