India has welcomed the key outcomes of the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Belém, Brazil. The nation reaffirmed its commitment to equity, climate justice, and global solidarity in a statement delivered at the High-level Closing Plenary on November 22.
India expressed gratitude to the CoP30 Presidency for its inclusive and balanced leadership, guided by the "Brazilian spirit of Mutirão", which signifies a spirit of collective effort. According to a press release by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, this approach helped steer the conference with integrity and fairness, allowing progress on several crucial issues.
One of the major achievements welcomed by India was the advancement under the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). India underscored that the decision recognized the urgent adaptation needs of developing nations. A central focus of India's address was the reminder that developed countries must meet their historical commitments on climate finance. The statement highlighted that efforts to bring Article 9.1 to the forefront were long overdue, adding that promises made at the 1992 Rio Summit must now translate into tangible action.
India also welcomed the establishment of the Just Transition Mechanism, calling it a major step toward ensuring that climate justice and fairness guide the global shift to low-carbon economies. The Statement called it a significant milestone and expressed hope that it would help operationalize equity and climate justice at both global and national levels.
In its statement, India stressed the need for greater global support for vulnerable populations, especially in the Global South, so they can better protect themselves from worsening climate impacts. India has cautioned that the nations that have the least responsibility in causing the problem must not be burdened with climate change mitigation.
Raising concerns over unilateral trade-restrictive climate measures increasingly imposed on developing economies, India said such actions violate the principles of equity and CBDR-RC (common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities) under the Convention and the Paris Agreement. It cautioned that these issues can no longer be ignored. The country thanked the Presidency for delivering the space to discuss Unilateral Trade-restrictive Climate Measures, stating that these measures are increasingly affecting all developing countries and are violative of the principles of equity and CBDR-RC, enshrined in the Convention and its Paris Agreement.
India reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to science-based and equitable climate action. It observed that India remains committed to a rules-based global order that is equitable and respectful of national sovereignty. The nation also reaffirmed its commitment to working with all Parties to ensure that climate ambition is inclusive, just, and equitable.
The COP30 also decided to develop a 'just transition mechanism' to support countries in protecting workers and communities as they shift to clean energy; and launch a 'global implementation accelerator' - a two-year process to close the gap between current national climate plans and what is required to keep the global warming within 1.5 degree Celsius.
The outcomes are aligned with India's long-standing position that developing countries should not be expected to compensate for the failures of wealthy historical emitters. India has also been against developed nations imposing unilateral trade measures, such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), under the guise of climate action. The COP30 agreement has acknowledged these concerns, noting that climate change response measures must not constitute "disguised restrictions on international trade".
