India and IFAD launched COSOP 2026–2033, a Country Strategic Opportunities Programme targeting rural transformation and climate resilience. The framework focuses on smallholder farmers, women's empowerment, and sustainable agriculture across priority states. IFAD will provide $800 million funding over the programme period. Key interventions include climate-smart agriculture, digital financial inclusion, and institutional capacity building. The programme aims to benefit 2.5 million rural households, with 50% women participation. Implementation will prioritize eastern and northeastern states with high poverty rates and climate vulnerability.

COSOP represents IFAD's strategic framework for development cooperation with India, replacing the previous 2018-2025 cycle. The programme addresses critical rural challenges: climate vulnerability affecting 600 million farmers, gender gaps in agricultural productivity, and limited access to formal finance. IFAD's approach integrates climate adaptation with livelihood enhancement, recognizing that smallholder agriculture contributes 40% to India's food production while employing 50% of the workforce. The $800 million commitment leverages additional government and private sector funding, creating a multiplier effect. Priority interventions include promoting climate-resilient crop varieties, establishing farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and expanding digital payment systems in rural areas. The programme aligns with India's climate commitments under NDCs and SDG targets for poverty reduction. Eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha receive focus due to high rural poverty rates (25-35%) and climate risks from cyclones and floods. Women's empowerment components include leadership training, access to credit, and technology adoption, addressing the 23% gender gap in agricultural wages. Success metrics include improved farm incomes, reduced climate vulnerability, and enhanced food security for target households.