In Short : There is no current information on whether PM Narendra Modi will attend the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. It is common for world leaders to attend such summits to discuss and address climate change issues. However, the participation of specific leaders, including PM Modi, is typically announced closer to the event date.
In Detail : The upcoming COP28 is seen as a platform for India to build upon its G20 achievements. The conference may also spotlight the divide between developed and emerging economies on the issue of coal dependency.
The visit comes on the heels of India’s G20 presidency
India currently generates approximately 73% of its electricity from coal
Modi’s participation in COP28 is expected to further emphasise India’s role as a key player
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the United Nations’ World Climate Action Summit (COP28) in Dubai.
The Prime Minister’s office announced that Modi will be present at the conference from November 30th to December 1st, 2023.
This visit comes on the heels of India’s G20 presidency, during which the nation played a pivotal role in steering global leaders towards a commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by the end of this decade. While the G20 summit concluded with an agreement on reducing coal power, it fell short of establishing major climate objectives.
The upcoming COP28 is seen as a platform for India to build upon its G20 achievements. “Climate change has been an important priority area of India’s G20 Presidency… COP-28 will provide an opportunity to take forward these successes,” stated the government.
However, the conference may also spotlight the divide between developed and emerging economies on the issue of coal dependency. A recent Reuters report indicated that France, with support from the United States, intends to propose a cessation of private financing for coal-based power plants at COP28.
Such a proposal might not align with India’s stance, given the country’s reliance on coal for its rapid economic development.
India currently generates approximately 73% of its electricity from coal, despite having increased its non-fossil capacity to 44% of its total installed power generation capacity. The nation’s energy policy reflects a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, with ambitious plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 and to source half of its electricity from renewable resources by 2030.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in COP28 is expected to further emphasise India’s role as a key player in global climate negotiations, while also addressing the practical challenges faced by developing nations in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
