BharatNotes What is Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)?
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a global multi-stakeholder partnership that works to make infrastructure systems — power, transport, telecom, water, health and education assets — resilient to disaster and climate risks. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York on 23 September 2019. The coalition was conceptualised through the International Workshops on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (IWDRI) of 2018-19, organised by India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
Mandate and Key Features
CDRI brings together national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector and academic institutions to share knowledge, build capacity and mobilise finance for resilient infrastructure. Its work aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-30), the Paris Agreement and the SDGs. The secretariat is based in New Delhi, with its interim seat at the NDMA headquarters in Safdarjung Enclave.
A flagship sub-initiative is the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS), launched at COP-26 in Glasgow on 2 November 2021 by the leaders of India, Australia, Fiji, Jamaica, Mauritius and the UK to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are highly exposed to disasters.
Governance and Legal Status
| Element | Detail (as verified, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 23 September 2019, UN Climate Action Summit, New York |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Nodal body in India | National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) |
| Governance organs | Governing Council, Executive Committee, Secretariat |
| Membership | ~57 member countries and 12 partner organisations (CDRI official site, 2026) |
The Union Cabinet approved categorising CDRI as an 'International Organization' on 29 June 2022, enabling exemptions and immunities under Section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947. The Headquarters Agreement (HQA) with the Government of India was signed on 22 August 2022, and the Cabinet approved its ratification on 28 June 2023 — giving CDRI an independent international legal personality. India serves as a permanent co-chair of the Governing Council.
Significance for India
CDRI is one of the few international organisations headquartered in India and conceived by India, making it a notable instrument of climate diplomacy and soft power. By linking disaster risk reduction with infrastructure investment, it shifts the global conversation from post-disaster relief to pre-disaster resilience. For a disaster-prone country with vast infrastructure ambitions, it offers India both a leadership platform and access to global best practice.
UPSC Angle
This is a recurring GS3 disaster-management and GS2 international-relations topic. Cross-paper relevance: GS2 (India-led groupings, global governance, soft power) and GS3 (disaster management, climate change, infrastructure). Aspirants should pair CDRI with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as twin India-launched global coalitions, and link it to the Sendai Framework's four priorities. Foundation concept — it underpins broader questions on disaster risk reduction and India's role in shaping global climate institutions.
