CLIMATE Change is a defining challenge of our times but as the world hurtles toward an escalating cli­mate crisis, India is stepping into a global leadership role to tackle climate change. Armed with a combination of ambition, innova­tion, and soft power diplomacy, the country has not only set bold climate commitments but has also delivered on them, emerging as a credible leader on the global stage. India’s efforts, grounded in both action and equity, stand as a compelling narrative of how developing countries can balance climate responsibility with eco­nomic growth.

Climate Commitments and Credibility

At 2 tonnes, India’s per-cap­ita carbon footprint is the lowest among G20 countries, and the In­ternational Finance Corporation (IFC) has recognised India as the only G20 economy aligned with the 2°C target. India is the world’s largest country in terms of popu­lation, comprising around 18 per cent of the global population. It is also the fifth-largest economy in the world, on its way to becoming the third-largest economy by 2030. Yet, India accounts for only 3.4 per cent of cumulative emissions.

India’s climate commitments are ambitious and measurable, providing a benchmark for others to follow. In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a five-point action plan, or Pancham­rit, at the UNFCCC meeting in Glasgow. This included a pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, and ensure that 50 per cent of India’s ener­gy needs come from renewable sources by the same year.

India is well on its way to meeting these goals. Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced its emis­sion intensity of GDP by 36 per cent, demonstrating a rare abil­ity to decouple economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. More than 46 per cent of India’s installed electricity generation capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources, with renewable en­ergy capacity – including large hydropower – reaching 203.22 GW. Forest and tree cover now span 25.17 per cent of India’s land, with an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent created between 2005 and 2021.

Soft Power Diplomacy: Build­ing Global Alliances

India’s climate leadership is not confined to domestic achieve­ments. The country has harnessed its soft power to create and lead global coalitions addressing crit­ical aspects of climate resilience, energy transition, and sustainabil­ity. These initiatives, often operat­ing outside formal UNFCCC ne­gotiations, amplify India’s efforts to foster collaborative solutions.

The International Solar Alli­ance (ISA), launched by India in 2015, exemplifies this leadership. By uniting 104 member countries and 16 signatory countries, pri­marily in the Global South, the ISA seeks to make solar energy a central solution for sustainable development. Its focus on reduc­ing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting technology trans­fer has cemented India’s role as a champion of equitable energy transitions.

Similarly, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastruc­ture (CDRI), initiated in 2019, ad­dresses the growing vulnerability of infrastructure to climate risks. With 41 member countries and seven organisations, it promotes resilience through practical solu­tions – a crucial agenda in an era of frequent and devastating cli­mate-induced disasters.

In 2023, during its G20 presi­dency, India launched the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) to accel­erate the global adoption of biofu­els. With 24 member countries and 12 international organizations, the GBA champions sustainable energy alternatives that reduce emissions while bolstering energy security.

The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), co-founded in 2019, is yet another initiative aimed at decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial sectors. Its 37 members, including coun­tries and corporations, work col­laboratively to achieve net-zero emissions in industries like steel and cement by 2050.

India’s Mission LiFE (Life­style for Environment) further underscores its commitment to behavioural change at both in­dividual and community levels. By encouraging sustainable con­sumption and production prac­tices, India is not only addressing emissions but also promoting a shift in global attitudes toward en­vironmental stewardship. India’s presidency of the G20 also saw the launch of the Resource Effi­ciency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), an initiative with 39 founding member compa­nies aimed at reducing resource extraction and waste. This focus on circular economies is comple­mented by domestic efforts such as a green credits programme, right-to-repair initiatives, and up­dated eco-mark regulations.

A Blueprint for Global South Leadership

India unites countries around shared goals to deliver actiona­ble frameworks addressing re­al-world challenges. By champi­oning inclusive alliances, India empowers developing countries to participate as equal partners in the global climate dialogue.

With countries in the Global South disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate impacts de­spite contributing minimally to global emissions, India’s efforts also demonstrate that leadership in climate action is not determined by wealth but by vision and re­solve.

In a world where trust in mul­tilateralism is eroding, India’s abil­ity to bring diverse stakeholders together offers a model for a coop­erative, equitable, and sustainable future. As the sun rises on a new chapter in global climate action, India is lighting the way. It is not merely a participant in the global climate dialogue – it is shaping its trajectory. This is leadership by inspiration.