The Raisina Dialogue 2025, India’s premier forum on geopolitics and geoeconomics, is set to take place from March 17 to 19 in New Delhi. With global leaders, policymakers, and climate experts in attendance, one of the central discussions will focus on “Resolving the Green Trilemma: Who, Where, & How.” This session aims to address the challenges of balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security.
The Green Trilemma refers to the complex challenge of achieving three crucial yet often conflicting objectives: sustaining economic growth, ensuring environmental sustainability, and maintaining energy security. While economic expansion is necessary for national development, it often comes at the cost of environmental degradation and increased energy demands. Resolving this trilemma requires innovative policies and international cooperation to develop sustainable solutions that do not compromise economic stability or energy reliability.
The theme of the Raisina Dialogue 2025, “Kālachakra – People, Peace, and Planet,” aligns closely with the discussion on the Green Trilemma. The concept of Kālachakra, meaning the ‘wheel of time,’ signifies the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for timely, collaborative action. Addressing the Green Trilemma falls perfectly within this framework, as it highlights the urgent need to balance human development, ecological preservation, and geopolitical stability.
The Green Trilemma has emerged as a critical issue, particularly for rapidly developing nations like India. While the country has made significant progress in renewable energy deployment, its dependence on fossil fuels remains a concern. According to Reuters, India aims to achieve 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, with over 200 gigawatts already operational. However, as reported by the Financial Times, India’s rapid industrialization continues to drive demand for coal and oil, highlighting the need for a transition strategy that balances sustainability with economic imperatives.
In response to these challenges, India has launched various initiatives to align its energy goals with global sustainability efforts. The Green India Mission seeks to expand forest cover to combat climate change, while the government has aggressively promoted electric mobility through subsidies and infrastructure development. The Financial Times noted that despite these efforts, land acquisition issues have hindered India’s ability to scale up its green energy revolution.
The Raisina Dialogue will serve as a platform for international collaboration on these issues. Policymakers are expected to discuss innovative approaches, including decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions. According to a Shell Foundation report, DRE can localize energy production and reduce dependence on large-scale fossil fuel infrastructure. This approach could be a game-changer for India and other emerging economies facing similar energy challenges.
In past editions, the Dialogue has been instrumental in shaping India’s foreign policy approach to climate action. The Observer Research Foundation highlights India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which promotes solar energy adoption across the Global South. This year, discussions will likely focus on expanding such partnerships and implementing policies like carbon pricing and sustainable infrastructure investment.
With global temperatures rising and energy demands increasing, the Raisina Dialogue 2025 will play a crucial role in determining the roadmap for a balanced and sustainable future. India’s proactive stance in addressing the Green Trilemma will not only benefit its domestic agenda but also strengthen its position as a global leader in climate action.
By Revathy V Menon
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science
Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi
Email: [email protected]
