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India Withdraws COP33 Hosting Bid for 2028, Cites Climate Commitment

India has formally withdrawn its proposal to host the COP33 United Nations climate summit in 2028, a decision conveyed to the Asia-Pacific group earlier this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had publicly announced India's intention to host the summit during his address at COP28 in Dubai last December. The move has drawn criticism from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who questioned the timing ahead of the 2029 general elections. Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet recently approved India's enhanced climate action plan for 2031-2035, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development.

Key Points: India Withdraws COP33 2028 Host Proposal | Climate Summit

  • India withdraws 2028 COP33 hosting bid
  • Proposal was conveyed to Asia-Pacific group
  • PM Modi had announced plan at COP28
  • Congress criticizes timing before polls
  • Cabinet approved new 2031-35 climate targets
2 min read

India withdraws its proposal to host COP33 in 2028

India withdraws its bid to host the 2028 COP33 climate summit. PM Modi had proposed it in 2023. Congress criticizes the move ahead of elections.

"India is committed to the UN Framework for Climate Change process. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, April 8

India has withdrawn its proposal to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2028, Environment Ministry sources said.

According to the sources, the decision was conveyed to the Asia-Pacific group on April 2.

India had proposed hosting the COP-33 summit in India in 2028.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed India's proposal in his special address at the inauguration of High Level Segment of COP-28 in December 2023 in the UAE.

"India is committed to the UN Framework for Climate Change process. That is why, from this stage, I propose to host the COP33 Summit in India in 2028," PM Modi said in his remarks.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a dig at the government over its decision.

"I am very surprised. It was high on PM's Agenda specially since 2029 will be year of Lok Sabha polls. So atmospherics could ve created," he said.

The Union Cabinet last month approved India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031 to 2035, enhancing the country's ambition under the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and climate justice.

An official release said that India's NDC for 2031-35 is guided by the vision of Viksit Bharat, which is not just a goal for 2047, but a commitment to act today to build a prosperous and climate-resilient India for the future generations.

"India's successive climate targets build upon India's earlier commitments, many of which have already been achieved ahead of schedule, reflecting the country's consistent track record of delivering on climate action," the release said.

"The five qualitative targets, are intended to embed sustainability into everyday life and governance systems, promote climate-resilient development pathways, and enable a just and inclusive transition for all sections of the society," it added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting move. From an international perspective, this might be seen as a step back from global climate leadership. The PM made a big announcement in Dubai. I hope there's a clear, strategic reason communicated soon, beyond just domestic politics.
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Priya S
Honestly, I'm relieved. Think of the traffic and security nightmare in Delhi for weeks! Let other countries take the burden. Our focus should be on local climate action - cleaning our rivers, improving air quality, and promoting solar in every village. 🌞
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Rohit P
Jairam Ramesh's comment is typical opposition politics. Linking it to elections is cheap. Maybe the government realized the massive funds required could be better spent directly on climate resilience projects for our farmers and coastal communities. That's smart governance.
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Kavya N
The 'Viksit Bharat' vision for climate action is more important than hosting a conference. Let's walk the talk on sustainable development and climate justice. Hope this decision means we are doubling down on our actual commitments. The NDC targets are quite strong!
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David E
As someone working in the development sector here, I have mixed feelings. These global events can catalyze local policy changes and public awareness. But they are also incredibly resource-intensive. A respectful criticism: the communication around this U-turn could have been handled better to maintain credibility.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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