India’s climate ambitions are a paradox. The South Asian giant has set aggressive targets for clean energy deployment, and is seen as one of the most attractive developing markets for renewable investment. Yet it refuses to turn its back on coal.

India, along with China, has opted out of the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency pledge at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai—which included a commitment to curtail investment in new coal power. Coal currently meets nearly three-quarters of India’s growing energy needs. Moreover higher electricity capacity will, ironically, be key to survival in its increasingly hot weather as air conditioning needs rise.