India’s role in climate policy formulation and deliberations has grown significantly over the past few decades, reflecting both its development priorities and its commitment to global environmental responsibility. As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, India occupies a unique position: it is simultaneously a major greenhouse gas emitter and a nation highly vulnerable to climate impacts such as extreme heat, erratic monsoons, droughts, and sea-level rise. This dual reality has shaped India’s approach to international climate negotiations, encouraging it to advocate policies that balance environmental protection with the developmental needs of millions. India has consistently emphasized the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” (CBDR-RC). This principle acknowledges that while climate change is a global problem, countries have contributed to it differently and have varied capacities to address it. India highlights that historically, developed nations emitted the bulk of greenhouse gases during their industrialization, and therefore they should take greater responsibility for mitigation and provide financial and technological support to developing countries. By keeping the CBDR principle central in climate talks, India ensures that climate action does not become a burden that unfairly hinders the growth of developing economies. At the same time, India has actively participated in shaping major global climate agreements. In the Paris Agreement of 2015, India played a crucial role by committing to ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions. These included reducing the emissions intensity of GDP, expanding non-fossil fuel energy capacity, and creating additional carbon sinks through afforestation. India’s support for the Paris Agreement signaled a shift from being perceived as a negotiator primarily focused on equity to a leader willing to take concrete action. The agreement’s flexible structure, which allows countries to determine their own contributions, aligned well with India’s developmental objectives while encouraging long-term sustainability. India’s leadership has also been visible in global climate coalitions. One of its most significant contributions is the establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched with France. The ISA aims to promote solar energy deployment in tropical