Having joined the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) on 16th January, soon after my superannuation from the Indian Navy on 31 December 2023, I have been assigned the onerous task of editing the ‘Monthly Expert Groups Report’. It is a tall order and I have some very big shoes to fill, considering that my predecessor, Commodore Gopal Suri (Retd.) was handling it. Nevertheless, it would be my endeavour to match up to him. Being my maiden effort, I wish to seek the indulgence of the readers.

During the month of January, the Climate Change Expert Group discussed the outcome of the United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP28, recently held in Dubai, and what it meant for India going forward. They also discussed enhancing the use of nuclear energy by India to expedite its peak emissions date, the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance for low-carbon development which is set to replace the earlier US $10 billion climate financing target, the need for India to preserve its national interests in negotiations on global emissions reduction plans while continuing to enhance the resilience of its agricultural sector to climate change. The Expert Group also discussed India being at the forefront of seeking Climate Justice and the need to develop effective adaptation assessment frameworks and metrics.