At the opening plenary of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, India emerged as a strong advocate for climate justice and equity, speaking on behalf of the BASIC group Brazil, South Africa, India, and China as well as the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) coalition. India’s interventions highlighted the urgent need to balance climate ambition with fairness, ensuring that developing countries are not left behind in the global transition.
Reaffirming the principle of “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities,” India stressed that any progress at COP30 must uphold equity and recognize the historic emissions responsibility of developed nations. It underlined that the structure of the Paris Agreement must remain intact, maintaining balance between mitigation, adaptation, and finance to sustain trust among developing nations.
Marking ten years since the Paris Agreement, India raised a crucial concern climate finance continues to be the biggest hurdle for developing nations. It called for a universally agreed definition of climate finance and a significant increase in public funding, particularly for adaptation measures. India noted that adaptation finance is currently fifteen times lower than required and that the global goal to double adaptation finance by 2025 is off-track.
India also threw its support behind the UAE–Belém Work Programme and the Baku Adaptation Roadmap, initiatives aimed at turning adaptation commitments into action. Emphasizing that adaptation is a lifeline, not a luxury, India urged nations to protect those most affected by climate impacts such as floods, heatwaves, and sea-level rise.
On technology and just transition, India demanded the removal of structural barriers that limit access to clean technology. It called for concrete outcomes from the Technology Implementation Programme and stressed that intellectual property restrictions should not block developing nations from adopting green technologies. India also insisted that the Just Transitions Work Programme must uphold justice, ensure fair opportunities for workers, and narrow the development gap between the Global North and South.
India further cautioned against unilateral trade measures like carbon border taxes, which it said could become instruments of protectionism and violate the principles of the UNFCCC. It reiterated the need for inclusive, transparent negotiations where developing nations are equal participants.
Calling for developed nations to step up, India and its coalition partners demanded that wealthier countries reach net-zero emissions earlier to preserve carbon space for developing nations and invest in negative emission technologies.
Closing its address, India reaffirmed its dedication to protecting both people and the planet. Its statements reflected the country’s evolving role as a bridge-builder uniting developing nations in the pursuit of fair, inclusive, and effective climate action.
India’s stance at COP30 underscores that climate justice is not just a policy goal but a moral imperative one that seeks to secure a sustainable future for billions across the Global South.