Paris Summit: Won’t be bullied by US, asserts India

Union minister Prakash Javdekar on Sunday said, “You can’t bully India, the message is clear. Developed countries need to provide carbon space to developing countries.” He also called the remarks by US Secretary of State John Kerry “unfair.”

“We will not be opposing but we will be proposing real changes needed to ensure we have balanced growth and balanced environment. There should be a durable agreement and we need to trust each other,” Javdekar told a television channel. In an interview Kerry had praised China’s role in the talks but raised concerns regarding India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday left for Paris to attend the world conference on climate change amid his emphasis that it is the responsibility of all to work against global warming. “Leaving for Paris, where I will join @COP21. In the Summit, we will deliberate on crucial issues relating to environment & climate change,” he tweeted just before his departure. In another tweet he said, “At the @COP21 will inaugurate India Pavilion, showcasing India’s harmony with nature, environment & commitment to mitigate climate change.”

Prior to his departure, the Prime Minister in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, stressed on the need to fight against climate change and global warming. “The whole world is worried about climate change. There are discussions everywhere over it and concerns are being expressed. The temperature of the Earth should not increase now. It is the responsibility and concern of all,” said Modi.

His emphasis on the responsibility of all assumes significance as the developed world is trying to place greater onus on developing nations like India in the fight against climate change. India has been maintaining that developed countries have been the major polluters over centuries and should assume greater role in fighting global warming by funding and transferring low-cost technology to 

developing nations. Joining a select group of countries, India said it will provide $ 2.5 million for the vulnerable nations in the Commonwealth to help them introduce clean energy and reduce green-house gas emissions.