India at COP-29: Advocating for Climate Justice

India delivered a blunt message at the recently concluded 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP-29) held in Baku expressing concerns over disparities in the emerging battle against climate change. India in particular asked other developed countries to get out of their comfort zones and respond more seriously to climate issues that developing countries are facing. However, this criticism fits well into one common complaint in climate diplomacy, in which the roles and abilities of countries in addressing climate change are significantly unequal.

For his part, Neelesh Sah, deputy lead negotiator of India underlined the issue and reminding developed countries that emerging as well as developing countries contribute minor proportion towards Green House gas emissions while our shares the worst impacts of climates on the globe. He pointed out the fact that Adaptable and Mitigation capacities of these countries remain constrained by the amount of money they can afford. India called for greater quantative increase in aid flows, technology transfers, and development of capacity in developing countries to fill this gap. They are seen as essential in enabling the developing countries to mitigate, innovate on, and manage the impacts of Climate change.

At COP-29 one of the most contentious has been around the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), introduced during COP-27 to help countries attain their emission goals. Developing nations like India never supported at the MWP as it placed number of unrealistic targets of which developing nations were also not capable of meeting. Moreover, developed nations continued demanding more and urgent targets in fighting climate change for all nations as the gap widens.

India also highlighted the broader challenges faced by the Global South, including inadequate access to renewable energy technologies and the lack of progress on climate finance commitments made in previous summits. The demand for a clear roadmap on financial aid, particularly the promised $100 billion annually, was reiterated.

COP-29, like its predecessors, showcased the complex dynamics of global climate negotiations. India's stance reinforces its role as a key voice for developing nations, advocating for equitable climate action that considers historical responsibilities and varying capacities of nations.

Relevance for Exams: Focus on India's position in international climate negotiations, the MWP framework, and challenges faced by the Global South. Questions may also explore India's broader climate diplomacy and the role of COP summits in addressing global climate issues.