Modi: Developed Nations Should Carry More Carbon Emission Burden, Not Developing Countries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an international conference that developing nations like India face unfair pressure over carbon emissions, pointing out that per capita emissions in developed countries are six times higher than India's. He also noted India's per capita emissions are less than half the global average and defended the government's push for nuclear energy despite opposition from environmental groups in courts. Modi highlighted India's climate achievements, including becoming the only G20 nation to meet its COP21 Paris commitments early, solar capacity growing from 2 GW in 2012 to 160 GW, and 3 million farmers receiving solar pumps. He also cited the One Nation One Grid project for preventing 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions, plus significant growth in EV sales and metro rail expansion. The speech underscores the ongoing debate about equitable climate responsibility, with India positioning itself as a leader in clean energy while pushing back against historical emission accountability.