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Should India take global leadership on climate change? News: Recently, India has taken significant steps in global climate leadership, advancing renewable energy targets, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening international climate cooperation. With initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the National Hydrogen Mission, the country is positioning itself as a key player in global environmental strategy and climate action. Arguments in Favour of India Taking Global Leadership on Climate Change 1. Enhances India’s Global Image and DiplomacyAssuming climate leadership allows India to position itself as a responsible global power capable of uniting developed and developing nations. With Western countries showing reluctance, India’s credibility as a consistent and balanced voice strengthens its diplomatic influence and global respect.Example: Through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), India has already led collective climate efforts that benefit over 120 countries, enhancing its soft power and international profile.2. Drives Economic Growth through Green IndustriesLeadership in climate action can boost investment, job creation, and innovation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and electric mobility. By leading the green economy shift, India can convert environmental responsibility into economic opportunity.Example: With nearly 50% of India’s installed power capacity coming from non-fossil sources, global recognition could attract major funding in solar manufacturing, battery production, and green hydrogen, turning India into a clean-tech manufacturing hub.3. Represents the Interests of the Global SouthIndia can voice the concerns of developing nations, ensuring that global climate agreements are fair, inclusive, and based on equity. Leadership gives India moral authority to demand stronger climate finance and technology transfers from rich nations.Example: At COP27, India defended the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” ensuring developing countries are not forced into unrealistic carbon reduction targets without financial support.4. Strengthens Climate Finance and Technology AccessTaking leadership enables India to negotiate larger shares of global climate finance and promote joint technology development in areas like carbon capture, irrigation efficiency, and renewable storage.Example: The proposed $1.3 trillion annual climate finance target by 2035 offers India an opportunity to shape funding mechanisms and secure investments for adaptation projects in agriculture, water, and coastal protection.5. Improves Domestic Resilience and SecurityLeadership in climate adaptation enhances India’s food, water, and energy security. Climate-resilient development reduces disaster losses and ensures long-term economic stability.Example: Programs such as PM-KUSUM, which promotes solar energy for farmers, and the National Hydrogen Mission combine adaptation and mitigation, making India a model for sustainable growth among developing economies.6. Encourages Innovation and Industrial TransformationIndia’s leadership can accelerate research and innovation in clean technologies, pushing industries to transition to low-carbon processes that improve global competitiveness.Example: Green hydrogen, electric vehicle manufacturing, and circular-economy initiatives in steel and cement sectors show how India can lead industrial decarbonisation while maintaining growth momentum.7. Strengthens Geopolitical Influence and PartnershipsGlobal leadership in climate change can deepen India’s ties with like-minded countries and multilateral forums, increasing its influence in G20, BRICS, and the UN, while encouraging collaboration on renewable energy and sustainable development globally. This role can also balance China’s growing influence in sustainability diplomacy.Example: During G20 Presidency 2023, India’s strong and consistent focus on “One Earth, One Family, One Future” placed sustainability firmly at the centre of global climate and governance policies, promoting inclusive growth, international cooperation, and long-term environmental solutions, reinforcing its image as a reliable bridge between advanced and developing economies. Arguments Against India Taking Global Leadership on Climate Change 1. Puts Excessive Burden on a Developing EconomyTaking global responsibility may stretch India’s limited financial, technical, and administrative capacity. Developed countries, historically responsible for most emissions, often fail to meet their climate finance commitments, leaving India to shoulder both moral and economic pressures, as well as long-term accountability.Example: The $100 billion annual pledge made by rich nations remains largely unmet, forcing developing countries like India to fund climate projects with domestic resources, sometimes diverting funds from other critical sectors.2. Diverts Focus from Domestic Development NeedsLeadership roles can shift attention away from poverty reduction, energy access, and job creation, which remain India’s primary concerns. Over-commitment to global goals may constrain resources needed for inclusive and sustainable national growth, slowing progress on essential development priorities.Example: Nearly 200 million Indians still lack reliable electricity access, highlighting the need to prioritise domestic implementation before taking on far-reaching global obligations.3. Technological and Industrial ConstraintsIndia’s heavy industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals emit large volumes of carbon that are hard to abate. Committing to global emission targets without available alternatives could harm industrial competitiveness and economic growth in the short to medium term.Example: As noted by Ulka Kelkar, the lack of breakthrough processes for steel and cement production makes rapid decarbonisation technically and economically difficult, especially in large-scale manufacturing hubs.4. Risk of Diplomatic Overstretch and Fragmented AlliancesAssuming leadership amid geopolitical divisions could isolate India if Western and emerging powers fail to align on climate strategy. India might end up leading without real support, resources, or tangible results, increasing political and diplomatic risks.Example: The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and inconsistent EU priorities show that global unity on climate issues is fragile, complicating India’s ability to sustain effective long-term leadership.5. Potential Credibility Loss if Targets Are MissedAmbitious commitments without guaranteed delivery could damage India’s international reputation. Missing emission or adaptation targets may invite criticism and reduce negotiating strength in future COPs, impacting India’s strategic climate diplomacy.Example: Several nations faced global backlash after failing to meet their Paris Agreement goals; similar lapses could undermine India’s image as a reliable partner and reduce trust in multilateral forums.6. Economic Dependence on Fossil-Fuel RevenuesIndia’s fiscal health partly relies on fossil-fuel taxation and exports. Rapid transition to clean energy without compensatory revenue sources could strain public finances, disrupt employment, and create temporary economic instability in conventional sectors.Example: The petroleum sector contributes over 15% to government tax revenue; abrupt decarbonisation could create short-term fiscal instability while transitioning energy infrastructure.7. Uneven Implementation Capacity Across StatesDifferent states have varied levels of readiness, institutional strength, and resources to handle large-scale green transitions. National leadership risks creating regional disparities and uneven policy execution, slowing nationwide progress.Example: States like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu lead in renewable adoption, while others still depend heavily on coal, revealing gaps that could weaken overall national credibility and reduce policy coherence. Conclusion: Global climate leadership presents India with a chance to strengthen its diplomatic influence, economic growth, and technological innovation. At the same time, it carries financial, industrial, and administrative challenges. By balancing ambition with domestic priorities and leveraging phased commitments and international collaboration, India can lead effectively while safeguarding national development and strategic stability.[wpdiscuz_comments]

Ashish Gupta

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