India Withdraws Bid to Host COP33 Climate Summit in 2028
India has officially withdrawn its offer to host the 33rd session of the UN climate conference (COP33) scheduled for 2028. The decision marks a significant shift in strategy for New Delhi, which had previously expressed a strong interest in leading the global climate dialogue during the 2028 summit.
- India has communicated its withdrawal to the UN climate body’s Asia-Pacific Group.
- The decision follows a “review of its commitments” for the year 2028.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi had originally proposed hosting the event during COP28 in Dubai in December 2023.
- South Korea remains a potential candidate for the Asia-Pacific Group to host the summit.
The Path to Withdrawal
The initiative to host COP33 began on December 1, 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the bid during his speech at COP28 in Dubai. This move followed India’s successful hosting of the G20 summit in 2023.
To prepare for the potential event, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change established a dedicated “COP33 Cell” in July 2025 to manage the professional and logistical requirements of the summit. However, official sources indicate that a rethink had been occurring within government circles over the past year.
Reasons for the Decision
While the Indian government has not provided a detailed public explanation, the withdrawal was communicated by the ministry’s joint secretary, Rajat Agarwal, to the chair of the Asia-Pacific Group. The communication cited an “inability to host the conference following a review of its commitments for the year 2028.”
Internal government realizations reportedly played a role. There was a growing concern that serving as the host and President of the conference would require India to champion global climate causes that might conflict with its own national positions on specific climate-related issues.
Ongoing Climate Commitments
Despite withdrawing its bid to host the summit, India continues to advance its climate goals. Just a week prior to the withdrawal, India enhanced its climate action targets under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031 to 2035 includes three primary quantitative goals:
- Emissions Intensity: A 47% reduction in emissions intensity from 2005 levels by 2035.
- Non-Fossil Energy: Achieving 60% cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035.
- Carbon Sinks: Creating a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035 (relative to 2005 levels).
These targets align with India’s broader long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
What’s Next for COP33?
With India out of the running, the Asia-Pacific Group may look toward other candidates. South Korea had previously expressed interest in hosting the 2028 summit, though its interest remains unofficial as the country also prepares for the G20 Summit in the same year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COP?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the annual meeting of the signatories to the 1994 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as the 2015 Paris Agreement and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
When is the COP venue typically decided?
The venue for a COP meeting is generally decided two years in advance.
Will India still participate in climate action?
Yes. In its communication to the Asia-Pacific Group, India stated it will continue to engage constructively with the international community on climate action.