What a COP-out for an aspiration nation

India's decision to not seek to host the 2028 UN climate conference, COP33, is unwise. It closes the door on an opportunity to shape a global approach to an issue that has economy-wide implications. In the process, New Delhi has let go of an opportunity to play an avant-garde role in climate action, trade, manufacturing, international collaboration and cooperation - a chance to secure a perspective of most of the developing world and that their challenges are not disregarded. By hosting COP33, it could have punched above its weight by taking on an existential issue with ramifications for economy, trade and well-being fit for the 21st c.

Beyond the catch-all 'strategic national interest', little has been offered by way of explanation for India's change of heart since last July. Explanations range from stabilising relations with the US and protecting its development space and energy choices, to efficacy of investing time and political capital for an issue that is perceived to have lost its political traction globally. Frankly, for a country aspiring to be Viksit by 2047, COP33 would have provided an important marker 14 yrs ahead.

For a fast-growing lower-middle income country with huge developmental deficits, as well as a desire to play a bigger global role, COP would have been a good gateway. COPs have changed since 2002 when India hosted COP8. Now they're about business, trade, collaboration, diplomacy, influence. COP33 is particularly important as countries will take stock of collective global efforts over a tumultuous 5 yrs. Climate change may have lost its political shine among some big power regressive economies. But that would have made it even more worthwhile for India to strut its progressive, scientific and leadership strides.