Cabinet clears India’s stance at climate talks

India’s stance at the ongoing 20th Conference of Parties on climate change received the stamp of approval from the Cabinet on Tuesday.

India has been insisting on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities to make a case for lower emission targets.

There has been speculation that India may loosen its stance at the Peru talks this year and agree to higher cuts following recent bilateral talks between India and the US.

The Indian delegation has already reached Lima, the capital of Peru, for the conference, which began on December 1.

The delegation will continue to focus on elements such as intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs).

All countries will be required to submit their INDCs to the UN Climate Convention after March 2015, ahead of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC in 2015, in Paris.

An official release after the Cabinet meeting said India’s approach “seeks to protect the interests of the country in climate change negotiations, based on the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and it’s Kyoto Protocol.”

Recently, a senior official from the Ministry of Environment and Forests told BusinessLine that India will remain firm on seeking climate justice and would look for financial commitments from developed nations (on the principle of historic responsibility) and seek technology transfer to developing nations.

India is also unlikely to break away from the developing nations and their interests, if the statement on Tuesday is something to go by.

“It will also enhance solidarity among the developing countries on these issues,” it said.

However, with China recently reaching a deal with the US on climate change under which both countries have agreed to make larger emission cuts, the developing countries’ bloc may face more pressure.

Further, India, which is set to showcase its solar power targets as indication of its seriousness in dealing with climate change issues, may also face pressure to agree to significant cuts.

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