G20 and India's role in global climate agenda

India is at the sweet cusp of concluding the BRICS Summit 2023 and starting the G20 meet under its Presidency in New Delhi in September 2023. This is a golden opportunity for India to reinforce its commitment to a just energy transition while shaping international collaborations towards a sustainable future. The XV BRICS Summit Johannesburg II Declaration dated 23 August 2023 has already made a positive attempt in addressing issues of climate change.

- AMRITA SINGH

The Declaration has agreed to address “challenges posed by climate change while also ensuring a just, affordable and sustainable transition to a low carbon and lowemission economy in line with the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), in light of different national circumstances.”

The BRICS Summit also declared that the member nations share a common view, taking into consideration national priorities and circumstances, on the efficient use of all energy sources, which are crucial for a just transition towards more flexible, resilient and sustainable energy systems. Since India is an integral party to this declaration, it lays down a clear road map for India to harness the ‘just transition’ commitment in the upcoming G20 Presidency meet in India.