Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the India pavilion at the global climate change conference here, showcasing the country’s commitment to renewable energy for which a target of 175 GW of additional capacity has been set by 2022.
“The India Pavilion at has used technology to showcase India’s commitment to climate change and focus on climate justice,” Modi said. “The India pavilion also seeks to demonstrate the strong belief that the world needs to look beyond climate change and focus on climate justice.”
He said the pavilion also displays the country’s harmony with nature and environment, and added: “Summit is of great significance to India’s future. It is a window to our tradition, progress, aspirations and achievements: that India’s progress.”
The prime minister, who said climate change was a major global challenge, also launched a coffee table book “Parampara”. He said India looked at the Paris convention with both commitment and hope.
The Indian prime minister is here with nearly for what is officially called the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
“We want the world to act with urgency. The agreement must lead us to restore balance between humanity and nature,” the prime minister said. “India’s progress is our destiny and right of our people. But we must also lead in combating climate change.”
India, he said, will ensure 40 percent of installed energy capacity is based on non-fossil fuels.
“We approach the negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in a spirit of partnership, based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibility.”
Modi on Monday attended the leaders’ opening event of the Conference of Parties (CoP) 21 climate summit here.
“Leadership for a sustainable planet,” External Affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.
Earlier, Hollande welcomed Modi at the summit venue following which the two leaders held a bilateral meeting.
Modi will address the opening session of CoP 21 on Monday evening after inaugurating an Indian pavilion.
Modi, who arrived in Paris on Sunday, is also to hold several bilateral meetings, following the opening of the plenary session by Hollande.
Modi’s bilateral meetings include one with US President Barack Obama.
The Indian pavilion showcases the country’s harmony with nature, environment and commitment to mitigate climate change.
Modi is to launch a 122-country solar alliance with Hollande.
“President @fhollande and I will jointly host a meeting of International Solar Alliance,” Modi said ahead of his departure from New Delhi on Sunday.
Modi will also attend ‘Mission Innovation’ hosted by the US president.