Belém, Brazil: India has thrown its weight behind the major decisions adopted at the UNFCCC CoP30 in Belém, using the closing plenary on 22 November to deliver a clear and grounded message — climate action must be fair, finance commitments must finally be honoured, and the world must move forward together.
In the High-level Statement at the Closing Plenary of the UNFCCC CoP30, India praised the CoP30 Presidency for steering the summit with a sense of balance, openness, and what it described as the Brazilian spirit of Mutirão — a collective effort rooted in community values. Officials noted that this spirit shaped the negotiations and helped keep trust across countries intact.
One of the biggest messages from India centred on adaptation. The country welcomed the progress made under the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), stressing that the decision rightly reflects the urgent and overwhelming adaptation needs of developing nations. According to India, this recognition marks an important shift, placing vulnerable countries at the heart of climate planning rather than on the sidelines.
A central theme of India’s statement was climate finance — a long-standing fault line in global climate talks. India pointed out that developed countries have carried an obligation for decades to support developing countries financially, as promised under the Convention. It expressed appreciation for the Presidency’s efforts in helping India initiate discussions around Article 9.1, which deals directly with the responsibilities of developed countries to provide climate finance. India noted that 33 years have passed since the commitments made in Rio, and said it hopes that what was promised then will finally be delivered.
Among the key outcomes India celebrated was the creation of the Just Transition Mechanism. Calling it a major milestone, India said it expects the mechanism to drive real climate justice — ensuring that transitions away from fossil fuels are fair, especially for countries and communities that have contributed the least to the climate crisis.
India also welcomed the decision to open discussions on unilateral, trade-restrictive climate measures. These measures, the country warned, are increasingly being used in ways that undermine the principles of equity and “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” (CBDR-RC). India underlined that such issues can no longer be ignored, and said the discussions at Belém represent a course correction.
Reiterating its long-standing position, India emphasised that those who have contributed least to global emissions must not be forced to carry the heaviest burden of climate mitigation. It called for stronger international backing for vulnerable communities, most of whom are in the Global South and are already living with the harshest effects of climate change.
India reaffirmed that its climate approach will continue to be science-driven, fair, and firmly grounded in respect for national sovereignty. The country reiterated its commitment to work with all nations to ensure that future climate ambition is inclusive, just, and equitable.
As the conference concluded, India extended its gratitude to Brazil and the global community, calling for continued collective effort to ensure that the road from Belém leads to a future anchored in fairness, solidarity, and shared prosperity.