‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC 2022)

India’s climate policy has moved from cautious defence of development space to active leadership in clean energy diplomacy. In global forums, it now combines equity, realism and strategic autonomy, arguing that climate action must support growth, poverty reduction and energy security.

• From obligation to opportunity: India continues to stress CBDR-RC, but now speaks as a large emerging power shaping rules, not merely resisting them.
• Paris and beyond: It accepted stronger domestic commitments, including a long-term net-zero target of 2070, and has already crossed 300.50 GW non-fossil capacity, over 54% of installed power capacity.
• Stronger NDC posture: India’s updated NDC 3.0 targets 60% non-fossil capacity by 2035 and a 47% cut in emissions intensity of GDP from 2005 levels, showing a more forward-looking stance.

• Climate finance as a core demand: In COP negotiations, India has pressed for predictable, concessional and grant-based finance. It has argued that the developed world must fulfil its obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement.
• Against green protectionism: India has opposed measures like the EU’s CBAM, calling them unfair trade barriers that shift costs onto developing countries.
• Global South leadership: Through the ISA, CDRI and Global Biofuels Alliance, India promotes cooperative climate action through minilateral platforms.

• Geopolitical realism: India now links clean energy to critical minerals, resilient supply chains and reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports and external shocks.

Thus, India’s climate diplomacy is no longer only about protecting its right to develop; it is also about steering a just, affordable and secure global energy transition. This balanced approach enhances India’s voice in a fractured world order.