Nairobi, June 30: India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Adarsh Swain, led the Indian delegation at an informal meeting of Heads of Delegations (HOD) in Nairobi on Tuesday. This meeting was held ahead of the next session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) aimed at eliminating plastic pollution.
The Indian High Commission in Nairobi shared on social media platform ‘X’ that Swain presented several key principles on behalf of the Indian delegation, emphasizing India’s readiness to engage in constructive dialogue for a balanced and effective agreement.
India highlighted that all decisions should be made by consensus to ensure participation and responsibility from all countries. Furthermore, the scope of the agreement should be limited to plastic pollution, as outlined in the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution 5/14. It should not include issues related to other international agreements, particularly those linked to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Swain stated that the entire process should be led by member countries. He asserted that there should be no limits or restrictions on the production of primary polymers (the raw materials used to make plastics) to safeguard the right to development.
He also noted that the responsibility for implementing this agreement should be determined according to each country’s circumstances, taking into account the Rio Principles, which include the concept of “common but differentiated responsibilities.”
The Indian High Commission emphasized the importance of providing necessary support to developing countries. This should include a separate multilateral fund and a process that is fair, transparent, and inclusive, considering the situation and capacity of each country.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the issue of fairness and equality in climate justice during a special address to the National Assembly of Seychelles. This speech took place during his official visit to Seychelles.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the Global South (developing countries) and island nations are the most affected by climate change. The impacts are clearly visible on coastlines, marine environments, weather patterns, and people’s lives.
He remarked, “We both believe that those who have contributed the least to climate change should not bear the greatest burden of its consequences. Climate action should be based on fairness, responsibility, and equality. That is the essence of climate justice.”
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