Positioning India’s Climate Politics: Individual Level of Analysis

Abstract

Abstract International climate politics and the global demand to combat climate change are gradually changing. The dichotomy of North-South discourse towards climate responsibility also evolves towards global initiatives, where India is considered a “dealmaker from a dealbreaker.” Why have India’s climate policies become proactive in commitment to international environmental politics since the Modi era? What are India’s positions toward international climate politics? In answer to these questions, countries’ foreign policy is guided by confident “choices” that help them to motivate the policy drivers in decision-making. In this article, I draw on the work of Valerie M. Hudson to argue the level of Analysis of Indian foreign policy in climate decision-making. In addition, India’s decision towards climate negotiation is an overall input of an ‘individual level’ because without a human being acting, no policy would be imaginable. In this way, I contribute to India’s position towards climate diplomacy and foreign policy choices in decision-making. Our finding shows that India’s interest in a ‘leadership role’ is not limited to the ‘economy’ alone in the climate debate but seeks a more extensive stakeholder in international politics.