COP31 gives India an opportunity to shape climate action, build coalition of developing nations

At a time when climate action seems to be at a crossroads, COP31 gets underway in Antalya, Turkiye, today. Necessitated by compromise, it will be a double act - Turkiye is designated COP31 president and Australia is president of negotiations.

The duo has made implementation of climate commitments and targets the central theme of the talks. This unusual partnership will see a great deal of interaction between two parts of the annual talks - the climate action agenda, which is voluntary and includes all stakeholders, and negotiations by governments.

For India, COP31 is an opportunity to showcase its efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy and to build a coalition that makes it possible for all countries, especially developing countries, to grow without endangering the planet.


Indications are that India will stick to its traditional lines - on climate finance, insisting that developed countries need to pay up by allocating public money as grants and concessional loans.

New Delhi has said that it will not agree to any roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels or accept any new targets, such as one for electrification, as its priority is development and ensuring access for all.

New Delhi must try to find common ground with other developing countries. Doing so will require India to think and act out of the box. India should champion transition roadmaps prepared by Brazil.

It must advocate for improved financial flows to developing countries, not just more money. Considering the geopolitical turmoil and economic pressures, India must help craft a pathway that allows for collaborative action. This can be its moment to shape the climate conversation. But to do so, it must get others on board to move beyond just noble intentions.