India will host side events at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav skip the initial World Leaders Climate Action Summit (WLCAS). The summit, starting Tuesday, focuses on securing new climate finance targets for countries most vulnerable to climate impacts.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reportedly revealed that India has a dedicated office with a thematic installation at the event. "India will be hosting side events in partnership with the UN and other multilateral organisations, ensuring high-level participation and wider outreach," sources from the ministry told news agency ANI.
The WLCAS will see the participation of Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, who invited heads of state and governments to attend. However, India will not be delivering its country statement at the opening, which is a common practice for some nations. An India-origin observer at the climate talks, speaking to news agency IANS on condition of anonymity, explained, "These are not talks, just the country statements. Not all countries are supposed to make it. Another high-level segment is towards the end of the summit. India is very much part of it."
The observer added that the concept of speeches by leaders is a recent development, stating, "Since leaders started coming, so a stage was created for them to make speeches, only a recent phenomenon, post-Glasgow (in 2021). So nothing normal about it."
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh will lead a 19-member delegation and deliver India’s national statement during the second high-level segment on November 19 and 20.
India To Stress Fair Energy Transition, ‘Loss And Damage’ Financing At COP29: Report
Highlighting India’s expectations from COP29, sources told PTI that India is advocating for equity, finance, and adaptation. The nation is pushing for carbon market mechanisms without trade barriers and recalibrated climate finance under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), which seeks financial commitments from rich nations for climate action projects in poorer countries.
Reaffirming the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), Indian officials emphasised that developed countries should lead in climate finance and mitigation due to their historical emissions. "We envision COP29 as an opportunity to advance key issues that align with our national priorities," PTI sources said, focusing on sustainable development, balanced climate action, and building resilience.
India also expects COP29 discussions to prioritise adaptation needs for vulnerable communities, stressing that finance must be “adequate, predictable, accessible, grant-based, low-interest, and long-term.” On carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the country hopes for mechanisms that incentivise low-carbon development without trade barriers. The adoption of operational standards for Article 6 on Monday has paved the way for a global carbon market.
Additionally, India advocates for a fair energy transition that accommodates developing nations' needs. "For India, COP29 should recognise that energy transitions must not impose undue obligations but instead should provide support," sources told PTI. The nation seeks robust commitments on adaptation, with an emphasis on sectors like agriculture, water resources, and urban infrastructure.
India remains focused on addressing “loss and damage” financing, expecting developed countries to fund the adverse impacts of climate events on vulnerable communities. Officials emphasised the need for technology transfer and closing financing gaps to ensure effective participation of developing countries. COP29, they said, is a critical opportunity to uphold equity and forge inclusive global climate solutions.