Citation
Papparaya, & Yatanoor, C. M. (2026). India and the Conference of the Parties: Navigating the Nexus of National Development and Global Environmental Stewardship. International Journal for Social Studies, 11(12), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.26643/ijss/2025/v11i1-1
Papparaya
Research Scholar
Department of Political Science
Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi, 585 106
Karnataka
Prof. Chandrakant. M. Yatanoor
Senior Professor & Chairman
Department of Political Science
Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi, 585 106
Karnataka
Abstract:
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its associated protocols like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, represents the preeminent global forum for addressing the existential threat of climate change. As a rapidly developing nation with a monumental population and significant energy demands, India occupies a significant position within these negotiations. This paper examines India’s multifaceted engagement with the COP process, analysing its evolving policy stances, contributions, challenges, and the inherent tensions between its developmental aspirations and its commitment to international environmental protection. It is described India’s historical participation, its key negotiating positions on issues such as emissions reduction, climate finance, technology transfer, and adaptation, and its domestic policy responses that underpin its international commitments. It also scrutinizes the complexities of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in the context of India’s unique circumstances, alongside the pressures exerted by developed nations and the opportunities presented by renewable energy transitions. By exploring these dynamics, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of India’s crucial role in shaping the trajectory of global climate action.
Keywords: India, Conference of the Parties (COP), UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, Climate Change, Environmental Protection, Climate Finance, Technology Transfer, Common but Differentiated Responsibilities, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development.
Introduction:
The escalating severity of climate change, manifesting in extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss, has propelled environmental protection to the forefront of the international agenda. At the heart of global efforts to address this challenge lies the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UNFCCC has been established in 1992 and it provides the overarching framework for international cooperation on climate change, with the COP serving as its supreme decision-making body. Over the decades, the COP has evolved from a forum for initial discussions to a crucial platform for negotiating legally binding agreements and setting ambitious climate targets.
India, a nation characterized by its vast population, burgeoning economy and significant energy requirements, is an indispensable actor in the global climate regime. Its historical trajectory, developmental imperatives, and growing influence on the world stage position it at a critical juncture between national progress and international environmental responsibility. Understanding India’s intricate relationship with the COP process is therefore paramount to comprehending the future of global climate action. This paper undertakes a detailed academic exploration of this relationship, dissecting India’s contributions, its negotiation strategies, the challenges it faces, and the delicate balance it strives to maintain between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Historical Context: India’s Entry into the Global Climate Arena
India ratified the UNFCCC in 1994, signifying its initial commitment to the global endeavour of mitigating climate change. Early interventions at COPs were largely characterized by the assertion of the principle of “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” (CBDR-RC). This principle, enshrined in the UNFCCC, acknowledges that while all nations share a common responsibility to address climate change, their Historical Contributions to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and their capacities to respond vary significantly. For India, this meant advocating for developed nations, responsible for the bulk of historical emissions, to take the lead in emission reductions and provide financial and technological support to developing countries.
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, presented a significant challenge for India. As a non-Annex I country, India was not subject to binding emission reduction targets. However, the debate around the future of the Protocol and the inclusion of developing countries in emission mitigation efforts was a recurring theme in early COPs. India’s stance was consistent: to prioritize its development agenda, including poverty alleviation and energy access for its vast population, while participating constructively in global efforts to combat climate change. This often translated into a cautious approach, emphasizing adaptation and resilience while advocating for technological and financial assistance.
India’s Evolving Negotiating Positions and Key Contributions at the COP
India’s engagement at the COP has evolved significantly, reflecting its growing economic power, technological advancements, and increasing awareness of climate change impacts. Its negotiating positions are characterized by a pragmatic approach that prioritizes national development while acknowledging global responsibilities.
(i) Emissions Reduction and the Paris Agreement:
The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, marked a paradigm shift in global climate governance, moving towards a more universal and inclusive framework. India played a crucial role in its negotiation, submitting an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) that aimed to:
- Reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.
- Achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030.
- Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 20301.
These targets, while ambitious, were framed within the context of India’s developmental needs and its right to pursue economic growth. India consistently advocated for the recognition of its developmental challenges, arguing that its per capita emissions remained significantly lower than those of developed nations.
(ii) Climate Finance: A Persistent Demand
A cornerstone of India’s participation in the COP has been its persistent demand for adequate and accessible climate finance from developed countries. India has consistently argued that the historical responsibility for climate change lies with industrialized nations, and therefore, they must provide financial assistance to developing countries to support mitigation and adaptation efforts. This demand is rooted in the understanding that transitioning to a low-carbon economy and building resilience against climate impacts requires substantial investments that developing countries often cannot afford on their own.
At various COPs, India has actively participated in discussions on mobilizing climate finance, advocating for the fulfilment of the USD 100 billion per year goal set in Copenhagen and pushing for more predictable and scaled-up financial flows. It has also highlighted the need for simplified access mechanisms and the provision of grants rather than loans, particularly for adaptation projects2.
(iii) Technology Transfer: Bridging the Innovation Gap
India has consistently stressed the importance of developed countries facilitating the transfer of clean and sustainable technologies to developing nations on concessional terms. This includes technologies for renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, carbon capture, and adaptation measures.
India’s engagement in technology transfer discussions at the COP aims to accelerate its own transition to a low-carbon pathway, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance its competitiveness in the global green technology market. It has often pointed out the need for effective mechanisms to overcome intellectual property rights barriers and foster collaborative research and development3.
(iv) Adaptation and Resilience Building
While mitigation remains a central focus, India has also placed significant emphasis on adaptation and building resilience to the impacts of climate change at the COP. Given India’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and heatwaves, adaptation is a matter of national security and survival. India has actively shared its experiences and sought international cooperation in developing climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture practices, and early warning systems4.
The COP process provides a platform for India to advocate for greater international support for adaptation, including dedicated funding streams and capacity-building initiatives. Its participation in the Global Adaptation Network (GAN) and its efforts to mainstream climate resilience into national planning underscore this commitment.
4. Domestic Policy Responses: Underpinning International Commitments
India’s engagement at the COP is not merely a diplomatic exercise; it is increasingly backed by robust domestic policy initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
(i) Renewable Energy Revolution
India has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy deployment, particularly in solar power. The National Solar Mission, launched in 2010, and subsequent targets have propelled the country to become one of the largest renewable energy markets globally. The ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, announced at COP26, signifies a profound commitment to decarbonizing its energy sector. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India, exemplify its proactive role in fostering global renewable energy adoption5.
(ii) Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Beyond renewable energy, India has also focused on improving energy efficiency across various sectors, including industry, buildings, and transportation. Programs like the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme aim to incentivize energy savings in large industrial consumers6. Energy-efficient appliances and building codes are also being promoted to reduce overall energy demand.
India’s extensive forest cover plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The government has prioritized afforestation and reforestation efforts, coupled with initiatives aimed at sustainable forest management and the protection of biodiversity. These efforts are not only aimed at meeting climate mitigation targets but also at safeguarding ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
(iii) Climate Action Plans and National Policies
India has developed various national policies and action plans to address climate change. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008, provides a strategic framework for climate mitigation and adaptation. Specific missions under NAPCC focus on areas like solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitats, water resources, and Himalayan ecosystems7. Even States have also been encouraged to develop their own climate action plans, fostering a decentralized approach to climate governance.
Challenges and Criticisms: Navigating the Complexities
Despite its proactive stance and growing commitments, India faces several challenges and criticisms in its engagement with the COP process.
1. The Dilemma of Development vs. Decarbonization
The most significant challenge for India is the inherent tension between its developmental aspirations and the imperative to decarbonize its economy. With a large segment of its population still living in poverty and requiring access to affordable energy for economic upliftment, a rapid and drastic reduction in fossil fuel consumption presents a formidable hurdle. Critics often point to India’s continued reliance on coal for energy generation as a major concern, arguing that it undermines its climate commitments. India, however, maintains that a just transition requires a phased approach, balancing energy security with climate action8.
2. Per Capita Emissions and Historical Responsibility
While India’s total GHG emissions are significant due to its large population, its per capita emissions remain considerably lower than those of developed nations. India has consistently used this argument at the COP to advocate for differentiated responsibilities, asserting that developed countries, with their higher historical emissions and greater capacity, should bear a larger burden. This has sometimes led to friction with developed nations seeking more ambitious emission reduction commitments from all major emitters.
3. Climate Finance: Unmet Expectations
Despite the commitments made by developed countries, the flow of climate finance has often fallen short of expectations. India, along with other developing nations, has frequently expressed disappointment over the pace and scale of financial assistance. This perceived inadequacy complicates India’s ability to implement its climate action plans and transition to a low-carbon economy.
4. Technology Transfer Hurdles
While India seeks accelerated technology transfer, practical implementation faces obstacles related to intellectual property rights, cost, and the capacity of developing countries to absorb and adapt new technologies. Ensuring that technology transfer is not merely a one-way flow but fosters genuine partnership and capacity building remains a key challenge.
Concluding Remarks:
India’s engagement with the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC represents a complex and dynamic interplay between national developmental imperatives and global environmental stewardship. Historically, India has championed the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, advocating for developed nations to take the lead in emission reductions and provide financial and technological support. As its economy has grown and its awareness of climate change impacts has deepened, India’s commitments and contributions at the COP have become more substantial, particularly evident in its ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and its remarkable strides in renewable energy deployment.
However, the inherent tension between its developmental aspirations and the demands of rapid decarbonization remains a significant challenge, as does the ongoing need for adequate and predictable climate finance and effective technology transfer. India’s consistent stance on these issues has not only shaped the global climate discourse but has also highlighted the inequities and complexities of international climate governance.
Ultimately, India’s success in navigating this nexus has far-reaching implications for the global fight against climate change. Its ability to achieve a balanced pathway towards sustainable development, coupled with its continued advocacy for a just and equitable global climate regime, will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of international efforts to secure a livable planet for future generations. As the COP process continues to evolve, India’s role as a major emerging economy and a responsible global citizen will undoubtedly remain central to its success.
References:
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. (2015). India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC).
- P. D. Sharma, “Climate Finance in India: Challenges and Opportunities,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 258, 109989, 2020.
- S. S. S. Singh, “Technology Transfer under the UNFCCC: India’s Perspective,” International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 373-390, 2018.
- A. K. Singh and R. K. Singh, “Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in India: A Review,” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 2477-2491, 2020.
- International Solar Alliance. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.isolaralliance.org/
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India. (n.d.). Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme. Retrieved from https://beeindia.gov.in/pat-scheme.
- Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change. (2008). National Action Plan on Climate Change. Government of India.
- S. K. S. N. Kumar and S. M. C. Reddy, “India’s Energy Transition: Balancing Development and Decarbonization,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 150, 111457, 2021.
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