Goa, April 17 -- India has officially withdrawn its bid to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP33) in 2028, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday. The announcement comes after reports earlier this month suggested that India had stepped back from the hosting offer, citing inputs from two government officials familiar with the development.

At a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the decision was taken after considering several factors. However, he underlined that India continues to remain fully committed to its international climate obligations and its broader climate action goals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier proposed India's candidature to host t...