As world leaders gather for COP29 in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, India’s priorities will focus on the country’s continued commitment to sustainable development, energy security and climate resilience .

Building on its position at previous sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP), New Delhi will advocate for key principles such as equity and the common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) framework, which emphasizes that developed countries , responsible for the majority of historical emissions, should contribute more to climate change mitigation and financing.

India’s approach calls for COP29 to respect the principles of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, avoiding any imposition of undue obligations on developing countries. A central item on the country’s agenda will be the new collective quantified target (NCQG) on climate finance.

India has consistently advocated for adequate, predictable and accessible financing, particularly for the Global South, emphasizing that current discussions on climate finance rely too heavily on mitigation investments. India will push for COP29 to ensure balanced financing, with a greater focus on adaptation, particularly for vulnerable communities in developing countries.

India is also calling for climate finance largely based on grants or provided in the form of long-term, low-interest loans, enabling developing countries to implement crucial adaptation measures for sectors such as as agriculture, water resources and urban infrastructure.

As India is highly vulnerable to climate impacts, such as floods, droughts and heatwaves, its expectations at COP29 include a focus on strengthened adaptation measures and support for building resilience in the framework of the global adaptation goal.

Another priority for India is to tackle “loss and damage”, linked to climate-induced impacts faced by developing countries. India is seeking additional commitments at COP29 for financial mechanisms to address these losses, ensuring that nations most affected by climate change can access needed resources.

On the energy transition, India will advocate for a just and equitable transition process, where countries retain the autonomy to shape their clean energy pathways based on their national context.

India is also working to conclude work on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which concerns carbon markets. India is considering a COP29 agreement that would include clear and fair rules for global carbon trading, using market-based tools such as carbon credits to drive low-carbon development and close technological and financial gaps in developing countries.

Throughout COP29, India will continue to urge developed countries to increase their climate ambitions, aiming for collective global climate action that aligns with the priorities and needs of developing countries.