Summary India under Modi faces criticism for failing to meet global climate responsibilities after withdrawing COP33 hosting bid and missing key environmental targets
NEW DELHI (Dunya News) - The Modi government has faced criticism after what is being described as a setback on the global stage, following its decision to withdraw from hosting the United Nations climate conference COP33 in 2028.
According to international news agency Reuters, the Indian government has withdrawn its offer to host the COP33 climate summit scheduled for 2028.
Indian magazine India Today reported that the move marks a U-turn, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had initially announced the hosting offer during the 2023 conference in Dubai.
The decision is not limited to a single event cancellation but is also seen as a blow to India’s international image. India has already missed two deadlines for submitting its national climate targets for 2035.
Experts say that withdrawing from hosting the conference raises serious questions about India’s climate action commitments and its claims regarding leadership of the Global South.
It is also noted that New Delhi remains among the most polluted cities in the world due to severe air pollution, which continues to impact the wider regional environment.
