Why India Withdraws Bid to Host COP33 Climate Summit in 2028?

India has withdrawn its bid to host COP33 in 2028, citing a review of national commitments. The surprise decision reflects a strategic shift in India's climate diplomacy, balancing domestic priorities and geopolitical realities.

Ajeet Singh

Published: Apr 9, 2026 - 16:34 Updated: Apr 9, 2026 - 17:25

Why India Withdraws Bid to Host COP33 Climate Summit in 2028?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the COP28 Summit in Dubai in 2023

India has withdrawn its offer to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP33) to the United Nations climate convention in 2028, marking a significant shift in its climate diplomacy. The decision was formally communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public announcement of interest three years earlier.

From Proposal to Withdrawal

Prime Minister Modi first signalled India’s intent to host COP33 during his address at the High-Level Segment of COP28 in Dubai in December 2023. Preparatory work followed, including the establishment of a dedicated COP33 cell in July 2025 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)’s climate change division. The BRICS group had also endorsed India’s candidacy.

However, India never submitted a formal bid. On April 2, 2026, the government officially informed the Asia-Pacific Group of its decision to step back. The move has surprised climate experts and activists, who saw the summit as a major opportunity for India to lead the Global South.

COP summits are the world’s premier annual climate negotiations, where nations shape global climate policy and review progress under the Paris Agreement

Reasons Behind the Withdrawal

Review of National Commitments

According to official communication, the decision followed a review of India’s commitments for 2028. The government reiterated that it would continue to engage constructively in global climate action but offered no detailed public explanation.

Balancing Domestic Priorities

Sources familiar with the deliberations point to multiple considerations. Hosting a COP summit involves massive financial, administrative, and diplomatic responsibilities.

COP33, which is expected to include the second Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement, would have required India to play a central role in negotiating consensus among nations amid increasingly complex global divisions.

As host, India would also be expected to push ambitious climate outcomes, which could conflict with its long-standing positions on climate finance, equity, and the pace of energy transition.

Global Geopolitical Context

Global uncertainties, including conflicts and energy security concerns, have made countries more cautious in committing to leadership roles in climate negotiations. Lower political participation at recent COPs has also raised questions about the effectiveness of such platforms in the current geopolitical climate. The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in 2025 added to the subdued global climate momentum.

Shift in Climate Diplomacy

The decision represents a notable shift in India’s climate diplomacy. Analysts point to a broader shift in India’s foreign policy priorities, with greater emphasis on regional stability and ongoing geopolitical engagements rather than hosting large global events.

Climate experts have described the move as a “strategic missed opportunity,” as hosting COP33 would have allowed India to showcase its renewable energy progress and amplify the voice of the Global South.

Elections in 2029

The timing of the summit, just a year before India’s 2029 general elections, may also have influenced the decision. Organizing a two-week global event involving nearly 200 countries and tens of thousands of delegates would have posed significant logistical challenges.

Implications and Reactions

Hosting a COP summit is widely seen as a prestigious opportunity to highlight national achievements and push for equitable climate action. India’s withdrawal leaves the Asia-Pacific group without a confirmed host for COP33.

Reacting to the development, Congress leader and former Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh expressed surprise on social media, observing that the hosting bid had been high on the Prime Minister’s agenda.

“No reasons have been given for this sudden decision. But it does reflect on the Modi government’s true commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement, both in letter and spirit. It also calls into question the government’s commitment to take on more ambitious carbon mitigation goals in the short and medium term,” Ramesh said.

The withdrawal leaves the Asia-Pacific Group without a confirmed host for COP33, which is set to follow COP31 (co-hosted by Türkiye and Australia) and COP32 in Ethiopia. South Korea has informally expressed interest in the past, though it has not submitted a formal bid, citing preparations to host the G20 Summit in the same year and concerns over logistical and financial capacity.