Picture Courtesy: Twitter/@MEAIndia
At the United Nations, India has reaffirmed its commitment to the landmark Paris climate change agreement.
During a UN ‘Leadership Summit on Environment Pact’, which was presided by French President Emmanuel Macron, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that India was willing to “work above and beyond” the pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“India will continue to work on this above and beyond the Paris Agreement. Our commitment is for the future generations,” said Swaraj at the meeting.
EAM: India will continue to work on this above and beyond the Paris Agreement. Our commitment is for the future generations. #EAMatUNGA
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 19, 2017
Swaraj also added that India fully understood its responsibility towards planet Earth.
Understanding our responsibility towards planet Earth. EAM @SushmaSwaraj attends SG’s meeting with select leaders on #ClimateChange pic.twitter.com/Zc242c248P
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 19, 2017
Swaraj’s statement comes amid uncertainty over the US role in the deal after President Donald Trump in June announced that America was withdrawing from the Paris deal, arguing that it gives undue advantage to countries like India and China.
India, which is the world’s third largest carbon polluter, along with more than 190 nations reached a pact in December 2015 with an aim to prevent an increase in the global average temperature and keep it well below 2 degrees Celsius.
The deal, which replaced the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, was ratified last October.
(With inputs from agencies)
