Modi govt making much of not doing anything at all

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-06-30 18:14:44 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-30 17:18:42

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India aims to be a force for the developing world at the COP26 Summit. But Aakar Patel argues that we achieve nothing at these global events and merely reaffirm our reputation as an attractive investment destination

As India aspires to be a bigger player in the global arena, climate summits like COP26 in Glasgow are important platforms to show the world that it is taking a leading role in promoting sustainable development and climate action. But contrary to its vision of being a first-tier nation, why does it find itself at global events mainly to affirm the reputation it already has as an attractive investment opportunity?

At the COP26 summit this week, Indian representatives walked the fine line between the developed and developing world. On the one hand, India articulated the concerns and ambitions of the global south the cumulative impact of which may not have amounted to much. On the other hand, Indian politicians and experts attended side events and met with bilateral partners to entice more capital into the country.

But the fact is that, unlike countries like China, India's political leadership hasn't been able to convert its massive economic opportunities and promises into international influence. Despite being the world's fifth-largest economy, India's voting share in the United Nations is less than 1%. This translates into limited heft in international affairs and decision-making.

India's long-standing intransigence on the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is well known. But even in lesser multilateral forums, India is either not a member or is a member without any significant decision-making powers. India, for instance, is not a part of the G7, G8, G20, or APEC groups that set the economic agenda for the world. As a result, India cannot influence global discussions on trade, technology, and fiscal matters matters that are critical for its future.

At the same time, unlike other global forums, in Glasgow, India actually has a significant presence. This is because climate change is the only issue where India is seen as a leader, especially of the global south. And this is why India should leverage its clout in climate negotiations to become a member of a reformed UNSC, and not the other way around.

The Glasgow summit is a chance for India to press for serious climate action and not just a photo opportunity. But that can only happen when it walks in with a strong mandate on a global scale not merely as an attractive investment destination.

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