Balancing Growth and Commitments: India's Climate Strategy between Domestic Challenges and Global Negotiations

This research analyses how India's national climate strategy and role in global climate governance are shaped by the country's energy trilemma: the tension between energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability. It first examines the evolution of India’s environmental and climate governance, showing a shift from reactive to a more proactive international posture. In a context of rapid economic growth, widespread energy poverty, heavy coal dependence and high climate vulnerability, climate policy emerges as a continuous balancing effort between development needs and environmental commitments. Coal remains central to energy security and economic growth, whereas solar energy advances the energy transition and strengthens India’s international engagement. This shows a model of gradual transition: climate goals are built into the development path that's already set, so they can be achieved gradually without impacting economic and social stability. These internal dynamics extend into India’s diplomatic strategy. Domestic vulnerabilities act not only as limits but also as strategic resources, shaping cooperation and competition in global climate governance. Through multilateral alliances and flexible partnerships, particularly in relation to China and other emerging powers, climate policy becomes a tool for maintaining development space while enhancing India’s international positioning.