India quietly pulls out of race to host COP33 in 2028

New Delhi: In a move that has surprised climate negotiators and policy observers, India has quietly withdrawn its offer to host the COP33 United Nations climate summit in 2028, according to a report by Climate Home News.

The decision, communicated to other countries on April 2, comes more than two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi first announced India’s intention to host the global climate conference in December 2023.

The withdrawal was reportedly conveyed by an Indian official to the Asia-Pacific group of countries, stating that the offer was being pulled back “following a review of its commitments for the year 2028.”

No public statement has yet been issued by the Government of India, and neither the Ministry of Environment nor the UN climate secretariat had immediately commented on the development.

India has repeatedly presented itself as a constructive climate actor, championing solar alliances, green growth, and sustainable lifestyles. A quiet withdrawal without explanation could invite criticism from opposition parties, climate experts, and civil society

Hosting a COP summit is one of the most complex diplomatic exercises in the world. It requires managing tens of thousands of delegates, heads of state, negotiators, activists, media, and civil society groups, along with security, transport, accommodation, and venue infrastructure.

The UN itself has previously described hosting a COP as a “significant political, financial and logistical commitment.”

India has in recent years become more vocal about what it sees as the failure of developed countries to meet climate finance and equity commitments.

After COP29, India publicly criticised the outcome on climate finance, arguing that rich countries were not doing enough for the Global South.

Importantly, withdrawal from the hosting COP33 does not necessarily mean India is stepping back from climate policy itself.

In fact, the government has recently highlighted its own “Green Pathway” narrative, emphasizing climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable growth.

Climate Home and other recent reporting show sharp divisions over fossil fuel phase-out, climate finance, and the future of multilateral consensus, while COP30 leaders have even floated “two-speed” climate cooperation beyond the traditional consensus system.

Hosting a deeply divided COP in 2028 could have exposed India to reputational risk if negotiations failed or if major emitters blocked progress.

From a diplomatic standpoint, stepping back now may be seen as avoiding responsibility for a summit that could end in deadlock.

Under the UN’s rotational system, the right to host COP33 falls to the Asia-Pacific regional group. With India stepping aside, that group will now need to find another willing host. If no country emerges, the summit could theoretically be moved to the seat of the UNFCCC secretariat in Bonn, as has been contemplated in past cases when a host withdrew.