“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. (Answer in 250 words)

India’s climate policy has evolved from emphasising equity and development space to combining climate justice with ambitious renewable deployment, while retaining the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Changing policy

• India has communicated progressively stronger nationally determined contributions, including non-fossil electricity capacity, emissions intensity reduction and a net-zero pathway.
• International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure project India as a provider of global public goods.
• Mission LiFE promotes sustainable lifestyles, complementing technology and finance-led mitigation.
• India advocates affordable climate finance, technology transfer, adaptation support and recognition of historical responsibility in UNFCCC negotiations.

Geopolitical context

• Energy transition can reduce import dependence and create new industrial leadership in solar, batteries, green hydrogen and critical minerals.
• However, coal remains important for energy access and employment; abrupt transition risks energy insecurity and stranded assets.
• Technology standards, carbon border measures and competition over critical minerals may create new trade barriers and strategic dependencies.

Conclusion

India’s approach seeks a just, affordable and nationally determined transition: climate ambition must be matched by finance, technology access, domestic capability and international cooperation.

CBDR-RC; NDC; International Solar Alliance; LiFE; climate finance; green hydrogen; just transition.