India Pulls Out of Bid to Host Climate Conference; Disappointed Experts Say Global Conflicts May Have Driven Decision India has withdrawn its offer to host the 33rd annual climate change conference, or COP33, scheduled for 2028, according to a report by Climate Home News. The decision, announced on April 2, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initial proposal in December 2023 during the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Modi had pledged India’s candidacy for COP33, a move that climate experts had previously hailed as a significant statement from the country. However, the withdrawal has sparked disappointment among environmental advocates, who argue that the decision reflects a broader shift toward short-term energy security amid global geopolitical tensions. The Union government has not yet confirmed the news through an official press release or statement. According to the report, Rajat Agarwal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, informed the chair of the Asia-Pacific Group within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) about India’s withdrawal via a four-paragraph letter. The letter stated that the decision was made after reviewing India’s climate commitments for 2028 but did not specify additional reasons. It also noted India’s intention to continue engaging constructively with the international community on climate action and expressed appreciation for the support of Asia-Pacific nations during its bid. Climate experts have criticized the withdrawal as a “strategic missed opportunity” and a “setback for global efforts.#india #climate_home_news #rajat_agarwal #harjeet_singh
