COP33 2028 Hosting Bid Withdrawn by India: Key Points
Why in the news
India told the UNFCCC’s Asia-Pacific Group that it no longer wants to host the 33rd Conference of Parties in 2028. Modi had backed the offer at COP28 in Dubai in 2023. The withdrawal was linked to a review of commitments for 2028, though no public statement has been issued.
Key facts
- Event: COP33, planned for 2028.
- Original proposal: by PM Narendra Modi at COP28, Dubai, 2023.
- Channel: the decision was sent to the UNFCCC’s Asia-Pacific Group the week before; the nodal official named is Rajat Agarwal, Joint Secretary in the Environment Ministry.
- Likely host now: South Korea.
Reasons suggested by analysts
- Logistics: a COP draws over 30,000 delegates and two weeks of intense negotiations, even after India’s smooth G20 hosting in 2023.
- Priorities: diplomatic and financial capital may go to other big events or to carrying out new domestic climate targets.
- Regional picture: South Korea steps up as the Asia-Pacific candidate.
COP hosts 2025 to 2028
| Year | Conference | Host |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | COP30 | Brazil |
| 2026 | COP31 | Turkiye |
| 2027 | COP32 | Ethiopia |
| 2028 | COP33 | South Korea (likely) |
Background concepts
- Emissions intensity: greenhouse gases emitted per unit of GDP; lowering it means the economy grows faster than pollution.
- Carbon sink: forests, oceans and soil that absorb more carbon than they release. India’s aim of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes uses nature-based offsets for hard-to-cut sectors such as steel and cement.
Exam angle
- Bid made at COP28 (Dubai, 2023); Asia-Pacific Group received the withdrawal.
- Replacement host: South Korea (likely).
- Related terms: NDC, carbon sink, emissions intensity, UNFCCC.