'Unjust, funds inadequate': India's strong stance on climate change case in ICJ

NEW DELHI: India made a strong case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on Thursday, highlighting the importance of equitable global action on climate change.

India argued that countries with negligible historical emissions should not be expected to shoulder an equal burden in mitigating climate change. “It is unjust to expect countries with negligible historical emissions to bear equal burden in mitigating climate change,” it stated in its submission to the ICJ.

Luther M Rangreji, joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), presented India's position, stating, “Climate finance by developed nations is inadequate to meet developing countries' needs in adapting to, mitigating climate change.”

India further criticised developed countries for their role in the climate crisis. During a hearing on countries’ legal obligations regarding climate change, India argued that developed nations bear greater responsibility due to their historical exploitation of resources. "If the contribution to degradation is unequal, the responsibility must also be unequal," said Rangreji.

India also highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations, despite their lower contribution to the problem. Rangreji pointed out that developed countries possess the technology and finances to address the crisis. "Countries which have reaped development benefits from exploiting fossil fuels demand developing countries to not utilise the national energy resources available to them," also Rangreji said

Further condemning the unfulfilled climate-finance pledges from developed countries, India claimed that the $100 billion promised in 2009 and increased adaptation funding have not materialised, deeming the new climate finance package agreed upon at COP29 insufficient to meet the needs of developing countries.

While reaffirming its commitment to the Paris Agreement, India emphasised the limits of burdening its citizens, particularly while pursuing sustainable development goals for a large population.

The ICJ hearing, prompted by Pacific island nations and Vanuatu, involves over 98 countries presenting their views. The court's advisory opinion, though not legally binding, is expected to hold significant weight in the global fight against climate change.

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