The Indian National Congress today strongly criticized the Centre’s decision to withdraw India’s bid to host the COP33 climate summit in 2028, describing it as a “flip‑flop” that undermines the nation’s credibility on global climate leadership.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed India as the host nation during COP28 in Dubai in 2023, citing the country’s successful organization of the G20 Summit as precedent. The sudden reversal, however, has raised concerns about the government’s seriousness in meeting its obligations under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
“The withdrawal reflects the Modi government’s true commitment to the Paris Accord — both in letter and spirit,” Ramesh said. He added that the decision calls into question India’s readiness to adopt more ambitious carbon mitigation targets in the short and medium term.
The Congress emphasized that hosting COP33 would have provided India with a platform to showcase its climate initiatives, strengthen international partnerships, and reinforce its leadership role in the global fight against climate change. Instead, the withdrawal signals hesitation at a time when decisive action is urgently needed.
The party urged the government to clarify the reasons behind the move and reaffirm its commitment to climate responsibility. “India cannot afford to send mixed signals on an issue that affects the future of our people and the planet,” Ramesh concluded.
