India has withdrawn its offer to host the United Nations’ annual climate conference, COP33, scheduled for 2028, according to government officials familiar with the development. The decision, recently communicated to international partners, marks a shift from an earlier proposal made by Narendra Modi in 2023 to bring the global climate summit to India.
While no official reason has been publicly provided, reports indicate that the withdrawal followed a broader internal review of the country’s commitments for 2028. The move has been conveyed to stakeholders within the Asia-Pacific negotiating group under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which oversees the Conference of the Parties (COP) process.
The COP summit is a key global platform where nations negotiate climate action, emissions targets and financing mechanisms to address climate change. India’s decision not to host the 2028 conference introduces uncertainty regarding the next host country within the Asia-Pacific region, as the selection process typically rotates among regional blocs.
In a related development, climate data released in Europe shows that France is experiencing a slowdown in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to figures compiled by Citepa, emissions declined by 1.5 per cent in 2025, marking a second consecutive year of slower progress and falling short of targets required to meet 2030 climate goals.
The latest developments highlight ongoing global challenges in meeting climate commitments, as major economies continue to face difficulties in accelerating emissions reductions while balancing economic and policy priorities.