India's Evolving Role in Environmental Protection: A Study in Post-Globalization Era

Abstract

The advent of globalization, particularly following India's economic liberalization in 1991, has presented a complex and often contradictory set of challenges and opportunities for the nation's environmental governance. This paper examines India's evolving role in environmental protection in this transformative period. It argues that globalization has acted as a dual-edged sword, concurrently accelerating environmental degradation through rapid industrialization and consumerism, while also providing access to green technologies, international finance, and a platform for global environmental diplomacy. The paper analyses the trajectory of India's domestic environmental policy, highlighting the critical role of judicial activism and the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks, such as the National Green Tribunal. It further explores India's transition on the international stage from a cautious participant to a proactive leader, exemplified by its instrumental role in the Paris Agreement and the launch of initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, including a persistent gap between policy formulation and implementation, the contentious development-versus-environment debate, and acute vulnerability to climate change. The paper concludes that India’s future role is pivotal; its ability to successfully navigate the intricate nexus of economic growth and ecological sustainability will not only determine its own developmental trajectory but also have profound implications for global environmental security.