Developing Nations Unjustly Targeted for Carbon Emissions, Says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong rebuttal to global climate narratives on Saturday, asserting that developing countries are frequently scapegoated for carbon emissions despite maintaining significantly lower environmental footprints than industrialized nations. Speaking at the inauguration of the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” at Vigyan Bhawan, the Prime Minister emphasized that India’s per-capita emissions remain less than half the global average, standing in stark contrast to developed nations whose per-capita output is six times higher.
A Track Record of Climate Commitment
During his keynote address, where he also unveiled a new mobile application for the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Prime Minister highlighted India’s role as a global leader in climate action. He noted that India is the only G20 nation to have met its Paris Agreement (COP-21) commitments well before the established deadlines.
“India’s performance on every parameter is a topic of discussion in the world today,” Modi stated, pointing to the country’s aggressive expansion of solar energy and non-fossil fuel capacity as evidence of its commitment to a sustainable future. He credited ancient cultural wisdom for shaping India’s modern approach to climate change, moving away from flawed global narratives to provide practical, scalable solutions.
Expanding Renewable and Clean Mobility
The Prime Minister detailed a rapid transformation in the energy sector, noting that India’s solar capacity has surged from approximately 2 GW in 2014 to over 160 GW today. This growth has been fueled by robust policy frameworks such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the PM Kusum scheme. Furthermore, the nation has seen wind energy capacity triple, alongside a renewed strategic focus on nuclear power that now integrates private sector participation.
The transport sector, a major contributor to global emissions, is also undergoing a radical shift. Highlighting the “EV revolution,” the Prime Minister noted that electric vehicle numbers have jumped from fewer than 3,000 before 2014 to 2.5 million in the last year. He also pointed to the development of 5,000 kilometers of inland waterways, which drastically reduce the carbon footprint of logistics by replacing heavy truck traffic with efficient, high-capacity water transport. Additionally, the recent rollout of India’s first hydrogen-powered train marks a milestone in the nation’s push for clean mobility.
Collaborative Global Governance
The conference, which brings together environmental experts, jurists, and delegates from 17 countries, serves as a platform to showcase India’s international initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the International Big Cat Alliance.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant underscored the legal foundations of environmental stewardship, noting that the judiciary has long recognized the right to a clean environment as a fundamental right. He advocated for rigorous legal standards, such as the “polluter pays” and “precautionary” principles, to address cumulative climate damage.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav added weight to these claims, announcing that non-fossil fuel sources now constitute 54.18% of India’s installed electricity capacity—surpassing the 2030 target of 50% nearly a decade ahead of schedule. As the event continues, it serves to reinforce the message that India’s development trajectory remains both swift and firmly sustainable. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to address the valedictory session of the conference on Sunday.
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