India’s Sustainable Energy Transition and Climate Governance: Progress, Challenges, and Implications

As the most populous and fastest-growing economy in South Asia, India’s practices in sustainable energy transition and climate governance provide a crucial paradigm for the region and the globe. Based on the global climate governance framework, this chapter analyzes the evolution of India’s stance in international climate negotiations since the 1990s, its domestic policy adjustments, the effectiveness and case studies of its renewable energy transition, and the challenges it faces. It examines the drivers and models of India’s climate action from a theoretical perspective, distilling its balancing strategy under the “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR) principle, and explores the implications for other South Asian nations. Although India faces constraints such as energy security, mitigation costs, and vulnerability, its innovative practices in solar, wind, and biomass energy highlight the potential of developing countries in global governance. Ultimately, this chapter emphasizes the promotion of sustainable transition in South Asia through international cooperation and technology transfer to achieve low-carbon development and climate justice.