India Withdraws Its Plan to Host COP33 Summit in 2028

India has decided not to host the 33rd Conference of Parties (COP33) in 2028, even though it had earlier shown interest. This decision marks a change in India’s recent approach to global climate events.

Why India Changed Its Decision?

Reports say that India informed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) through an official letter. The reason given was that the government reviewed its plans and commitments for the year 2028. After this review, India felt it would be better to step back from hosting such a large international event.

Earlier Preparation Had Already Started

Before this decision, India had already begun preparing for the summit. In July 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change created a special team to manage the event’s planning and arrangements. India’s plan to host COP33 had also received support from BRICS countries, showing strong international backing.

How COP Hosting Works?

The COP summit is organized every year under the UNFCC, and different regions of the world get turns to host it. India belongs to the Asia-Pacific group, which was eligible to host the 2028 summit.

Some upcoming COP hosts are:

• COP30: Brazil
• COP31: Turkey and Australia
• COPP32: Ethiopia

After India’s withdrawal, South Korea is now the main country expected to host COP33.

India’s Climate Goals Remain Strong

Even though India will not host COP33, its climate efforts are still on track. The country has set important goals, such as:

• Increasing clean energy capacity to 60% by 2035.
• Reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 47%.
• Expanding forest cover to absorb more carbon.

These targets show that India is still serious about fighting climate change, even without hosting the global summit.