Navigating India’s Climate Dilemma: A Transformative Journey Towards Sustainable Leadership

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As COP29 wrapped up in Baku, the climate dialogue showed disappointment over unfulfilled promises. The pledge of US$300 billion by 2035 was seen as inadequate, especially by India, which slammed it as an “optical illusion.” This reaction highlights India’s unique position: it aims to lead globally in renewable energy while confronting domestic challenges that complicate fair climate action. India seeks to be a voice for developing nations, pushing for balanced, realistic solutions.

India has made impressive strides in renewable energy. Over the past ten years, the country boosted its renewable capacity by 165%, reaching 203.18 GW by October 2024. Yet, obstacles remain, such as high technology costs, land acquisition issues, and the need for better grid systems. Tackling these challenges is essential to keep projects on track and ensure they benefit everyone.

The solar energy sector illustrates both progress and struggles. Through the ambitious “Panchamrit” goals set at COP26, solar capacity surged by 27.9% in just one year, climbing from 72.02 GW in 2023 to 92.12 GW in 2024. Despite such growth, much of India’s solar potential, estimated at 748 GWp, remains untapped due to inconsistent policies and storage issues. Similarly, wind energy has reached 47.72 GW but faces challenges due to geographical limits and environmental concerns.

India has gained recognition as a climate leader, ranking fourth in renewable energy capacity, fourth in wind power, and fifth in solar power. However, this leadership comes with responsibilities. Rapid progress in renewables has sometimes led to biodiversity loss and community displacement, stressing the need for policies that balance environmental care with social equity. Additionally, achieving a low-carbon economy requires significant investments in research, innovation, and skills development, notably in emerging areas like green hydrogen.

India’s advocacy for the Global South is crucial. At COP29, it emphasized fair climate finance, urging developed nations to provide meaningful support to developing countries. The country also highlighted the need to remove barriers, such as intellectual property rights on green technologies.

Despite its strong voice for mitigation finance, India has been quieter on adaptation finance. This type of funding helps nations vulnerable to climate impacts, such as extreme weather and rising sea levels. Unfortunately, adaptation finance is often under-funded globally. A report noted that just 10% of climate funds in India go towards adaptation efforts, which shows a need for more balance.

Improving adaptation efforts would strengthen India’s leadership role among developing nations and enhance its influence on the global climate stage. This advocacy needs to become actionable, ensuring that climate finance is accessible and effective. India has also critiqued trade measures that unfairly shift costs to developing countries, reflecting the difficulties of navigating international climate policies.

Strategic partnerships bolster India’s leadership in the Global South. Initiatives like the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), co-chaired by India and Sweden, focus on decarbonising heavy industries through collaboration. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) aims to weave climate resilience into national strategies. At COP29, CDRI launched its “Infrastructure for Resilient Island States” initiative, providing $8 million to support 12 projects across 17 small island states. While these efforts show India’s commitment, scaling them to meet climate challenges is essential.

However, India’s identity as both a developing country and a climate leader presents challenges. Transitioning to green energy must consider economic inequalities, especially in regions dependent on fossil fuels. Implementing policies that provide alternative livelihoods and skill development for workers affected by this shift is critical. Internationally, India must balance its ambitious climate objectives with fair resource distribution, considering the diverse priorities of developed and developing nations.

India’s proactive role at COP29 showcases its strengths and weaknesses. The nation can lead through its renewable energy successes and partnerships. Yet, achieving a just and sustainable future requires looking beyond ambitious goals. It needs a careful review of current policies, more inclusive decision-making, and a focus on social equity.

As climate challenges intensify, India will need to balance growth ambitions with equity and global responsibilities. Embracing these challenges can help transform India’s climate aspirations into reality, setting an example for others. In this journey, COP29 marks a crucial step towards a fair and sustainable global climate approach.

Manish Vaid is a Junior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation

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