‘New York or New Delhi? I Chose New Delhi’: Chris Bowen Backs India’s COP31 Role

Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen chose New Delhi over New York this week, describing India as an “indispensable voice” in shaping the future of climate and energy policy.

Speaking at the Chintan Research Foundation’s Pre-COP Dialogue in New Delhi on September 23, Bowen said the decision reflected India’s importance to Australia and to the COP31 negotiations, where he expects the country to help build agreement on practical outcomes.

“Well, my friends, I had a choice this week: New York or New Delhi. I chose New Delhi,” he said.

Bowen described the visit as a reflection of the bilateral friendship and India’s significance to the climate talks.

India’s Progress on the Global Stage

On his 14th visit to India, Bowen recalled first travelling to the country in 1998. Each visit, he said, reinforced his appreciation of its scale, dynamism and innovation, and their significance for the global economy and climate action.

“I’m so glad to be back in India—the indispensable voice in the future of climate and energy policy,” he said.

Bowen praised India’s progress in climate and energy, saying he increasingly referred to its experience in discussions with international counterparts.

“The Indian story is a remarkable one, one to be celebrated,” he said. “Now, when I speak to global peers, I cite India’s success and progress as a world leader, and I mean it.”

COP31: Turning Negotiations into Action

As President of Negotiations for COP31, Bowen said his purpose in India was to listen, learn and help build the consensus required for practical results.

He said the summit would deliver a new Just Transition mechanism and stressed the need to translate negotiations on mitigation and finance into action.

“COP31 will deliver a new Just Transition mechanism,” Bowen said.

He argued that progress in the talks could give businesses greater confidence to invest and help accelerate research, development and financing. The emphasis, he said, should be on improving the real-world impact of climate negotiations.

Bowen described India as an important and respected participant in the COP process and a key partner in the effort to secure those outcomes.

Solar Partnership Targets 2,000 Technicians

Bowen pointed to rooftop solar training as an example of practical cooperation between India and Australia.

The Australia-India Rooftop Solar Training Academy in Gandhinagar will train 2,000 solar technicians in its first two years, he said, highlighting opportunities for women and young people.

He presented the initiative as evidence that the bilateral partnership was already producing tangible results in the energy sector.

“I look forward to working closely with India to make COP31 a success: practical, focused, cooperative, and focused on delivery,” Bowen said.

COP31 is scheduled to take place at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Turkiye, from November 9 to 20.

With inputs from ANI