India’s leadership in renewable energy and climate diplomacy was evident at COP29, yet its criticism of the US$300 billion climate pledge highlighted concerns about insufficient global commitments. While India continues to advocate for fair climate finance and just transition policies, balancing economic growth, social equity, and ambitious climate goals remains a key challenge.
COP29 and India’s Stand
- Criticism of Climate Pledge: India strongly opposed the US$300 billion pledge by 2035, calling it an “optical illusion” that fails to meet the needs of developing nations.
- Push for Equitable Climate Action: As a voice for the Global South, India demands fair climate policies that address the concerns of developing countries rather than favoring wealthier nations.
India’s Role as a Climate Leader
- Dual Identity: India is a global leader in renewable energy but still faces internal challenges that make equitable climate action difficult.
- Balancing Act: The country aims to lead in climate diplomacy while ensuring its own economic and developmental needs are met.
Renewable Energy Growth: A Success Story with Challenges
- Impressive Expansion: India’s renewable energy capacity has grown by 165% in the past decade, reaching 203.18 GW by October 2024.
- Major Roadblocks: High technology costs, land acquisition issues, and weak grid infrastructure pose significant challenges.
Solar and Wind Energy: Bright Spots with Barriers
- Solar Boom: India’s solar capacity jumped 27.9% in one year, hitting 92.12 GW in 2024. Yet, much of its massive 748 GWp potential remains untapped due to inconsistent policies and storage issues.
- Wind Energy Challenges: Wind power reached 47.72 GW in 2024 but faces hurdles due to site-specific limitations and environmental concerns.
Hydro and Nuclear Power: A Careful Approach
- Energy Diversification: India continues to develop large hydro and nuclear projects to strengthen its energy mix.
- Environmental Concerns: These energy sources require a balanced approach to minimize ecological damage and social displacement.
India’s Global Recognition in Renewable Energy
- Top Rankings: India ranks 4th in total renewable energy capacity, 4th in wind power, and 5th in solar power globally.
- Social and Environmental Costs: Rapid renewable expansion has led to biodiversity loss and community displacement, raising concerns about sustainability.
The Green Technology Push
- Need for More Investment: Shifting to a low-carbon economy requires greater funding in research, innovation, and skill development.
- Green Hydrogen Future: India’s focus on green hydrogen aims to overcome financial and technological obstacles in clean energy expansion.
India’s Climate Finance Advocacy at COP29
- Call for Fair Funding: India insists that developed nations should provide more financial aid to developing countries for climate action.
- IPR Barriers: India also demands the removal of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) restrictions on green technologies, making them more accessible.
Adaptation Finance: A Weak Spot in India’s Climate Strategy
- Focus on Mitigation: India has been very vocal about mitigation finance but has not prioritized adaptation finance as much.
- Why Adaptation Matters: Funding adaptation is crucial for protecting vulnerable nations from extreme weather, rising sea levels, and agricultural disruptions.
The Imbalance in Climate Finance
- Mitigation vs. Adaptation: A report by the Climate Policy Initiative shows that most climate finance in India goes toward mitigation.
- Limited Adaptation Funding: According to the International Finance Corporation, only 10% of India’s climate funds are allocated to adaptation efforts.
Bridging the Adaptation Finance Gap
- A Missed Opportunity: Strengthening adaptation finance would enhance India’s credibility as a true leader of the Global South.
- Need for Actionable Policies: India must ensure climate finance is transparent, accessible, and effective for all developing nations.
India’s Climate Partnerships on the Global Stage
- Strategic Alliances: India collaborates with partners to drive sustainable climate solutions.
- LeadIT Initiative (India & Sweden): Focuses on decarbonizing heavy industries.
- CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure): Helps nations integrate climate resilience into their infrastructure planning.
COP29 Initiatives for Climate Resilience
- Support for Small Nations: At COP29, CDRI launched the “Infrastructure for Resilient Island States” initiative, providing US$8 million for 12 projects across 17 Small Island Developing States.
- Scaling Up Is Essential: These initiatives must be expanded to tackle the massive climate challenges ahead.
Balancing Domestic and Global Priorities
- Development vs. Sustainability: India must ensure its shift to green energy does not worsen socio-economic inequalities.
- Regional Challenges: Certain regions remain highly dependent on fossil fuel industries, making transition difficult.
Ensuring a Just Transition
- Alternative Livelihoods: Policies must provide new job opportunities and skill training for workers affected by the transition to renewable energy.
- Preventing Job Losses: Without careful planning, the green transition could increase unemployment and economic disparity.
India’s Position in Global Climate Politics
- Balancing Global Expectations: India must navigate conflicts between ambitious climate commitments and fair resource distribution.
- Tensions Between Nations: Developed countries often prioritize their own goals, making it harder for developing nations to receive fair support.
India’s Climate Leadership at a Turning Point
- Strong but Incomplete Efforts: India’s presence at COP29 showed its strengths and limitations in global climate leadership.
- Beyond Targets: Achieving a sustainable future requires more than just setting ambitious goals—India must drive real, inclusive change.
The Road Ahead for India’s Climate Strategy
- Reevaluating Policies: India must rethink its approach by involving all stakeholders and prioritizing both mitigation and adaptation finance.
- Ensuring Inclusivity: A stronger push for adaptation finance and just transition policies will make India’s leadership more credible.
Final Thoughts: COP29 as a Milestone, Not the End
- Test of India’s Leadership: As climate challenges worsen, India must balance growth with fairness, ambition with realism.
- Leading by Example: If India successfully implements equitable and ambitious climate policies, it will set a new global precedent for the Global South.
- The Bigger Picture: COP29 is not the final step but a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward a fair and sustainable global climate framework.
Source: The climate dilemma: India’s dual path to leadership and sustainability, ORF, February 14, 2025