This policy brief argues that India is becoming a strategically important actor in global climate negotiations. This reflects not only its rising economic and geopolitical importance, but also a greater level of recent engagement by Indian representatives with international efforts to reach a climate agreement.

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After a long period of stasis, since 2009 India’s approach to international climate diplomacy has been shifting towards more constructive engagement with international partners and the UNFCCC negotiations. This is the result of new actors taking responsibility for India’s international stance.

Indian climate diplomacy is now being woven into wider foreign policy objectives, particularly its strategically important relationships with the United States and China. A desire to foster these relationships has motivated India to introduce some flexibility to its previously fixed negotiating positions.

This policy brief is part of SEI’s ‘Emerging Economies and Climate Change’ series, including briefs on the BASIC group, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, and the USA.

Download the policy brief here (pdf)