India’s role in climate policy formulation and deliberations has been both significant and complex, shaped by its unique position as a developing country with one of the world’s largest populations, rapid economic growth, and deep vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change. As a nation, India has been at the forefront of climate negotiations, balancing the twin imperatives of ensuring sustainable development while contributing to global efforts to address climate change. Understanding India’s role requires examining its domestic strategies, international commitments, negotiating positions in global forums, and its leadership in fostering collective action among developing nations. India’s historical stance on climate policy has been influenced by the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” (CBDR-RC), enshrined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This principle argues that developed countries, which have contributed most to historical greenhouse gas emissions, should bear greater responsibility for mitigation and provide financial and technological assistance to developing nations. India has consistently emphasized equity in climate negotiations, highlighting that its per capita emissions remain significantly lower than those of industrialized nations, even though it is among the top emitters in aggregate terms due to its large population. This stance has shaped its engagement in global climate forums, where India has often positioned itself as a voice of the Global South. India’s domestic climate policies form the foundation of its international credibility in climate deliberations. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008, is a central framework that outlines eight national missions, such as the National Solar Mission, the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. These missions aim to foster a shift toward renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and build resilience in sectors vulnerable to climate impacts. In addition, several state action plans complement the national strategy, creating a decentralized approach to climate action. These domestic efforts not only help India reduce emissions intensity but also serve as a demonstration of its commitment in international negotiations. A key element of India’s contribution to global climate deliberations is its leadership in renewable energy, particularly solar power. The launch of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015, jointly with France, underscores India’s proactive role in promoting clean energy globally. The ISA aims to mobilize solar energy deployment in developing countries, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and facilitate financial and technological collaboration. This initiative has positioned India as a leader in renewable energy diplomacy, showcasing its ability to combine domestic priorities with international leadership. India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, announced at COP26 in Glasgow, reinforces its proactive stance on clean energy transitions. India’s role in climate deliberations has also been marked by its cautious approach toward emission reduction commitments. At the 2015 Paris Agreement negotiations, India pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–35 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, achieve