April 17, 2026
In his Hindustan Times column, Vital Signs, OHT’s Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan examines India’s decision to step back from the country’s bid to host COP33, the 33rd session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where parties meet to negotiate global climate policy and emissions targets. This decision signals the abandonment of India’s stated ambition to lead the Global South on climate diplomacy.
India, now the world’s third-largest emitter, is also among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, from extreme heat to crop losses and water stress. These risks directly threaten livelihoods, especially those of farmers and low-income communities.
Dr. Laxminarayan argues that India should work to lead climate change mitigation through measures such as investing in clean energy, an economic opportunity. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels could save billions, strengthen energy security, and support long-term growth.
He also highlights the global stakes when India steps back; it weakens collective climate ambition.
Read it here.
