International Relations (Climate Change Diplomacy and India) by Viraj C. Rane

Model Answer

Question #1. Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change on various international platform in the context of geopolitics. 10 marks (150 words)

Ans

• India’s climate change policy has undergone a significant change over the years, from seeking energy security to taking initiative in the field of clean energy at a global level, the country’s diplomatic stand at the Conference of Parties reflects its pro-environment outlook.
  By accepting the net-zero commitments, India has reiterated its stand that its policy on climate change is based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

India, since ancient times, has always promoted harmony with nature. This can be further evidenced by the country’s commitment to the Paris Accord and the acceptance of the net-zero targets, proving that India is aware of clean energy’s significance.

In this context, the five-point agenda of Panchamrit for dealing with climate change, including ambitious targets related to the use of renewable energy for meeting the country’s energy requirements, reduction in carbon emissions and intensity in its economy and achieving the target of net-zero, are a clear statement by India of its commitment towards clean energy as well as its intent for taking a leading role in the same.

• India’s geopolitical and global outlook, based on the constantly evolving global environmental challenges, can be witnessed by the country’s diplomacy at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• India does not agree to the imposition of legally binding targets since it requires strategic autonomy to (a) pursue its domestic developmental agenda and (b) identify the method required to commit to targets related to climate change and clean energy.
• India, keeping the ambition of enhancing its global profile and power ambitions, has moved away from a reactionary to a participatory approach. This can be seen with India’s change in position from its response to the Kyoto Protocol commitments as compared to the Paris Agreement.
• Further, keeping in line with its diplomatic endeavours globally and the recognition of clean energy’s significance, India has taken a leading role along with other major global players in several international initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the One Sun, One World and One Grid programme and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement.
• Further, India has also raised its concerns regarding the reluctance of the developed nations in sharing the necessary technologies with the developing nations to enable them to effectively deal with climate change.

Thus, India has modified its climate change policy according to the developments taking place on a global scale and has taken initiatives in mitigating issues arising out of climate change while keeping in mind its geopolitical objectives.

Question #2. Mentioning the provisions of Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, explain how this legislation proposes to elevate India’s position with respect to the cold continent’s scientific research and ecology. 15 marks (250 words)

Approach:

• The question requires analysis of the recently passed Indian Antarctic Act.
• Tone of the question is positive (Suggesting that the Act will help elevate India’s position in Antarctic’s scientific research and ecology.)
• Introduce by giving the brief background and the vision of the Act. Subsequently, give details of the major provisions.
• Next, highlight the significance of the Act in enhancing India’s position.
• Conclude, by India’s scientific efforts vis-à-vis Antarctica in the past and the role of the Act to further that.

Hints:

India recently enacted Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, which is in pursuant to India’s accession to Antarctic Treaty, Madrid Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty and to the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. The Act aims at having India’s own national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment as also the dependent and associated ecosystem thus, elevating India’s position on Antarctica’s scientific research and ecology.

Indian Antarctic Act, 2022: Major provisions

• Indian Antarctic Authority (IAA): It will provide a stable, transparent and accountable process for Antarctic research and expeditions and ensure the protection and preservation of the Antarctic environment.
• Penal provisions: The Act lays out penal provision for crimes on the continent by Indian citizens, foreign citizens who are a part of Indian expeditions, or are in the precincts of Indian research stations.
• Ban on private tours: Private tours and expeditions to Antarctica would be prohibited without a permit or the written authorization by a Member country of the Antarctic Treaty of 1963.
• Creation of Antarctic fund: The fund will be used for protecting the Antarctic environment.

Significance in elevating India’s position:

• Increased credibility of India: The Act will help in increased international visibility, credibility of India in Polar governance leading to international collaboration and cooperation in scientific and logistics fields.
• Protection of fragile Antarctic ecosystem: The Act is consistent with the Antarctic Treaty System which will go long to protect the fragile ecosystem of Antarctica with the existence of a regulatory framework.
• Promotion of international scientific cooperation: A rule based system with India as an important player will foster the spirit of cooperation among the countries present in Antarctica enhancing the status of the country globally.

India has taken a leading role in with respect to Antarctica’s scientific research and ecology. It currently operates two research stations in Antarctica named Maitri and Bharati and has also launched several annual scientific expeditions to Antarctica. The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022 will play a significant role in further cementing India’s position in that regard.