INDIA'S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ON CLIMATE CHANGE

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Picture Courtesy:  THE HINDU

Context
As COP30 in Brazil approaches in November 2025, global climate discussions are gaining momentum. With developed nations reluctant to lead on climate change, there's a growing expectation for emerging economies such as India to play a more prominent global role.

Why Should India Take Global Leadership on Climate Change?

Extreme Vulnerability

India faces severe environmental challenges, including air pollution, deforestation, and water scarcity. 

Over 80% of India's population lives in districts highly susceptible to extreme weather events. (Source: CEEW)

The Economic Survey 2024–25 ranks India as the seventh most climate-change-vulnerable nation, highlighting susceptibility to heatwaves, biodiversity loss, water insecurity, and sea-level rise.

Leading climate action directly protects vast populations and fragile ecosystems.

Principle of Equity and Historical Responsibility

India advocates the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), which recognizes developed nations' greater accountability for climate change due to their historical emissions.

In 2023, India's per capita GHG emissions were 2.9 tCO₂e in 2023, lower than China (11 tCO₂e) and the US (18 tCO₂e), and far below the global average of 6.6 tCO₂e. 

By advocating for climate justice, India can lead the Global South in demanding fair climate finance and technology transfer.

Demonstrated Domestic Action and Ambition

India has achieved clean energy goal of 50% non-fossil power capacity by July 2025 ahead of schedule, proving leadership and progressing towards 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.  (Source: PIB)

Economic Opportunity and Innovation Hub

India leads in climate action with 227 GW renewable energy capacity by June 2025, creating economic opportunities. (Source: PIB)

Indian conglomerates are investing in green energy, boosting shareholder value and establishing India as a global green technology hub.

Enhanced Soft Power and Geopolitical Influence

By leading on climate, India can enhance diplomatic leverage and soft power globally. 

Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) are examples of India's proactive climate diplomacy, shaping global agendas and enhancing international cooperation.

What are the Challenges India Faces in Assuming Global Climate Leadership?

Development Need and Energy Demand

India struggles to balance poverty eradication and economic growth with climate goals. In 2024, energy-related CO2 emissions rose by 5.3%, the highest among major economies, due to rapid economic expansion and increased energy demand. (Source: International Energy Agency)

Financial and Technological Constraints

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires investment and advanced technologies. 

Developing countries (excluding China) need an estimated $2.4 trillion per year for climate action by 2030, with about $1 trillion from external flows. (Source: World Economic Forum)

India faces high technology costs, difficulties in land acquisition for renewable projects, and the need for robust grid infrastructure.

The global climate finance flows need to increase fivefold to $7.4 trillion annually by 2030 to meet Paris Agreement targets. (Source: Climate Policy Initiative)

Dependence on Fossil Fuels

India's electricity still relies heavily on fossil fuels, especially coal (55% of the energy mix, 74% of power generation), despite rapid renewable growth, due to increasing demand.

India has no immediate plans to shut down coal power plants before 2030 and plans to increase coal capacity to meet energy security needs; hurdle for a complete green transition.

Domestic Implementation Gaps

India faces challenges in climate policy implementation due to financial limits, weak political will, poor institutional capacity, and low public awareness.

Global Geopolitical Complexities

Power struggles and unfulfilled financial commitments from developed nations hinder global climate action. India must navigate these geopolitical hurdles to advance a cooperative climate agenda.

What Has India Done So Far in Climate Action?

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) & Panchamrit: At COP26 in Glasgow, India announced "Panchamrit" goals, and updated in NDCs submitted in August 2022. These include:

• Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
• Sourcing 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. (Achieved ahead of schedule in July 2025)
• Reducing projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
• Lowering the carbon intensity of economy by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
• Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Launched in 2008, NAPCC frames eight missions: solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, Himalayan ecosystem, green India, sustainable agriculture, and strategic knowledge for climate change.

Key Initiatives and Schemes

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• Co-founded by India and France in 2015, headquartered in India and includes over 120 member countries.
• Its goal is to achieve $1 trillion in solar project investments by 2030 and to support capacity building and technology transfer for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Launched by Indian Prime Minister, it promotes a public movement to encourage individuals to adopt sustainable lifestyles.

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): An India-led global initiative promoting the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks.

National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.

Reduced Emission Intensity: India reduced the emission intensity of its GDP by 36% between 2005 and 2020. (Source: PIB)

Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Launched in 2012, this market-based mechanism under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency targets energy-intensive industries to improve energy efficiency. 

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): Introduced in June 2023, the CCTS is a pivotal step towards creating a transparent and regulated carbon market in India, capable of unlocking new finance streams for climate action.

Way Forward For India

Strengthen Domestic Implementation

Accelerate current climate policies such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and renewable energy targets by enhancing financing, simplifying land acquisition, and improving grid infrastructure for greater renewable energy integration.

Champion Climate Justice and Finance

Advocate for the CBDR-RC principle and urge developed nations to fulfill their climate finance pledges, aiming for at least $300 billion annually by 2035, with a goal to scale up to $1.3 trillion per year for developing countries by 2035.

Prioritize Adaptation and Resilience

India requires a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to enhance climate resilience in agriculture, water, and infrastructure, necessitating investments in early warning systems and climate-proof infrastructure.

Promote Green Diplomacy and Strategic Partnerships

Utilize platforms like G20, BRICS, ISA, and CDRI to build new climate action alliances, collaborating on technology, capacity building, and finance to increase impact.

Promote Lifestyle Changes

Expanding the Mission LiFE movement to instill sustainable practices at the individual level, demonstrating India's commitment to a holistic approach to climate action.

Invest in Research and Development

India needs more investment in climate-resilient technologies—like advanced energy storage, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture—to develop local solutions.

Conclusion

India can lead global climate action by focusing on renewable energy, sustainable cities, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient infrastructure. This approach will cultivate a green economy, generate jobs, improve health and energy security, lower emissions, and advance sustainable development.

Source: THE HINDU