India's Stand on COP28 and COP29

 

India's Stand at COP28 (2023)

Focus Areas:

• Global Stocktake (GST):

  • India emphasized the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

  • Advocated for equity in assessing collective progress, urging developed nations to shoulder greater responsibility for historical emissions.

• Climate Finance:

  • Called for scaling up financial commitments beyond the $100 billion annual target.

  • Highlighted the need for predictable and adequate finance to support developing countries' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

• Energy Transition:

  • Stressed on a Just Transition that accommodates energy needs of developing nations while ensuring fairness in transitioning away from fossil fuels.

  • India opposed blanket fossil fuel phase-out without addressing equity and differentiated energy needs.

• Adaptation and Loss & Damage:

  • Supported operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund agreed upon at COP27.

  • Called for adequate resources to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

 

India's Stand at COP29 (2024)

Rejection of NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal):

• Inadequate Finance Commitments:

  • India criticized the $300 billion annual target set under the NCQG, calling it grossly inadequate compared to the estimated $1.3 trillion annual need by 2030.

  • Rejected the NCQG for lacking equity and ignoring the financial needs of developing countries.

• Demand for Higher Grants:

  • India demanded that at least $600 billion of the proposed $1.3 trillion be in the form of grants and concessional resources.

• Equity and Responsibility:

  • Highlighted the disproportionate burden placed on developing nations despite their minimal contribution to historical emissions.

  • Criticized the developed nations for failing to consult India and other developing countries in finalizing the NCQG, undermining trust and collaboration.

• Linkage to NDC Submission:

  • India linked its future NDC submission to adequate financial support from developed countries.

  • Asserted that inadequate finance would hamper ambition and implementation of climate goals.

• Support for LDCs and SIDS:

  • Urged special financial provisions for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

 

India’s Broader Stance on Climate Negotiations

1. Principle of Equity and CBDR-RC:

   • Advocates that developed nations, as historical polluters, should take the lead in emission reductions and financial contributions.

2. Right to Development:

   • Balances climate action with developmental priorities, ensuring energy access and poverty alleviation remain central to its strategy.

3. Focus on Adaptation:

   • Calls for greater adaptation finance, recognizing the vulnerabilities of developing countries to climate impacts.

4. Renewable Energy Leadership:

   • India has taken proactive steps in renewable energy deployment, leading initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and committing to ambitious renewable energy targets.

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Summary of India's Position

• At COP28, India focused on equity, fairness, and the need for greater financial support, emphasizing a just energy transition and operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund.

• At COP29, India rejected the NCQG in its current form, demanded higher financial targets, and strongly criticized the lack of consultation and inadequate commitments by developed nations.

India continues to champion the cause of the Global South, advocating for fairness, equity, and adequate resources in global climate negotiations.