COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 202. From the perspective of the Indian delegation , COP29 holds particular significance as it focuses on climate finance, specifically the establishment of New Collective Quantified Goals to support the mobilization of funds for addressing the climate needs and priorities of developing nations. It is important to recognize that implementing climate actions places a substantial financial burden on developing countries like India.
This is where the issue of repeated tryst with destiny, until it is too late, comes into play.
India’s Perspective on COP29
There is has been a transformative transmogrification of India’s stance from a more yielding and acquiescent stance to that of a more bold and energetic response with respect to COP1 to COP29.
India’s Approach at COP Conferences (COP1 to COP29)
1. Using COP as a global stage to pursue realize the gravity of pressures of climate change on developing , poor countries.
India uses COP meetings to reaffirm its climate commitments and seeks financial support and reinforces its global position in climate talks. Precisely, for this reason India has criticized the $300 billion pledge by 2035 as per New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Change (NCQG) as accepted by COP29 president. This is a far cry from the much needed atleast $1.3 trillion needed by 2025 for poorer countries.
2. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) adopted by India has indeed thrown light on India’s assertive, serious and proactively of one’s volition attitude on global stage.
India first launched NDC in 2015; updated in 2022. This speaks volumes with regard to India’s proactive approach. Notably, India has successfully reduced emissions intensity by 33–35% and derive 40% of energy capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
3. Climate Finance
Top priority: secure funding through mechanisms like:
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) which is the biggest climate fund in the world. It was created as part of the Paris Agreement to help developing countries achieve their climate goals, like cutting emissions and preparing for climate change.
Carbon markets
Carbon markets let countries and companies trade carbon credits, helping them meet climate goals more cheaply.
There are two types:
Compliance markets (where trading is required by law).
Voluntary markets (where trading is done by choice to meet goals like net zero emissions).
Focus on the Loss and Damage Fund to address floods, cyclones, and other climate impacts.The Loss and Damage (L&D) fund is a financial tool created to help communities deal with the harmful effects of climate change that can’t be prevented or fixed.
Adaptation means preparing and taking action to face climate challenges.
The L&D fund aims to cover real losses faced by people, countries, and nature, recognizing that these losses go beyond just money and affect human rights, well-being, and the environment.
4. Showcasing Leadership
Highlights initiatives:
International Solar Alliance (ISA). The 7th session of ISA was held in New Delhi from 3rd ton6th November, 2024.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched by India and France at COP21 in 2015, promotes solar energy as a sustainable solution to energy access and climate change. Based in India—the first international body established there—ISA underscores India’s commitment to global cooperation and a carbon-neutral future. With 120 member and signatory nations, ISA fosters international solar collaboration, strengthens energy security, and supports the shift to cleaner energy systems.
LiFE initiative
At the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced Mission LiFE to emphasize individual actions in the fight against climate change. The initiative aims to shift from a wasteful, single-use culture to a sustainable, circular economy by encouraging mindful and eco-friendly choices in everyday life.
Mangrove Alliance for Climate
India is a member of Mangrove Alliance for Climate.
The UAE and Indonesia launched the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) to highlight the role of mangroves in addressing climate change. First announced at COP27 and later promoted at the G20 summit, the alliance aims to promote sustainable growth and strengthen the G20’s resilience to future challenges. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, mangroves cover 4,991.68 km², or 0.15% of India’s land area. West Bengal has the most mangroves (42.45%), followed by Gujarat (23.66%) and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (12.39%).
5. Advocacy for Developing Countries
Active member of Like-minded Developing Countries (LMDC) and BASIC group.
India has been a leading voice for the developing and poor countries. Precisely for thos reason itvhas always emphasized on the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” (CBDR-RC) in international climate discussions. At COP29, developed nations pressured developing countries into accepting a weak financial deal that doesn’t really help them tackle climate change. This leaves poor countries struggling and vulnerable. Some also believe that there are attempts to divide developing nations, especially targeting groups like the G77 and China, just before a new draft of the New Collective Quantified Goal.
India has always advocated for equitable climate action and fair financial frameworks for the Global South.
INDIA’S PRESENT STANCE
1) Importance of CBDR-RC in Climate Talks
India highlights the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” (CBDR-RC) in international climate discussions. This principle recognizes that developed countries historically contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, they should bear a larger responsibility in addressing climate change.
2) Avoidance of Binding International Commitments
India has been cautious about accepting legally binding targets that might hinder its economic growth and poverty reduction efforts. It argues that strict targets could limit its development and place an unfair burden on its economy.
3) Shift to Voluntary Climate Goals (COP16 to COP21)
Between COP16 and COP21, India moved from mandatory emission targets to a voluntary approach, adopting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These voluntary commitments focus on increasing renewable energy use and improving forest cover but are not legally enforced.
4)Formation of International Partnerships
India has actively sought international cooperation to support its renewable energy efforts. A key step was the establishment of the International Solar Alliance in 2015, which aims to promote solar energy worldwide, especially in developing countries.
5)Commitment to Renewable Energy by 2030
India has set a goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This ambitious target reflects its growing focus on clean energy to support sustainable development.
6) Call for Financial Support from Developed Nations
India has called on developed countries to provide $1.3 trillion annually by 2030 to help developing nations meet their climate goals. India insists this funding should be unconditional to ensure fairness and equitable climate action.
7) Aligning Global Carbon Trading with Domestic Policies
India advocates for aligning international carbon trading systems with its own policies and priorities. It also stresses that developed nations must honor their climate finance commitments to support developing countries effectively.
Sources
http://www.pib.gov.in
http://www.niti.gov.in
unfccc.int
unep.org
mangrovealliance4climate.org
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