India reaffirmed its climate leadership at the international stage on Friday, as Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, addressed the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, Nepal. Representing India at the high-level global dialogue on “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity,” Yadav unveiled a five-point global action plan to protect fragile mountain ecosystems and foster climate resilience across borders.
The summit brought together environment ministers, climate leaders, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the rapidly escalating impacts of climate change on mountain regions, especially the Himalayas.
Honouring Sagarmatha: A Shared Heritage
Opening his address, Yadav praised Nepal’s initiative in convening the global summit and noted the powerful symbolism behind the name “Sagarmatha,” the Nepali name for Mount Everest, meaning “Head of the Sky.” He emphasized that this term captures not only the awe-inspiring grandeur of mountain ecosystems but also the profound responsibility the global community shares in safeguarding them.
He highlighted the cultural, ecological, and spiritual bonds India shares with its Himalayan neighbours, stressing that protecting mountain systems is both a regional and global imperative.
South Asia’s Low Emissions, High Vulnerability
Yadav pointed to the troubling paradox that South Asia, home to nearly 25% of the world’s population, contributes just 4% to historic global carbon dioxide emissions yet is disproportionately affected by climate impacts.
He criticized developed nations for failing to fulfil commitments related to climate finance and technology transfer. Without meaningful action from high-emitting countries, he warned, mountain nations like India and Nepal will face worsening glacial retreat, biodiversity loss, and water insecurity.
Strengthening Conservation Through Transboundary Action
Acknowledging the unique biodiversity of high-altitude regions, the Minister called for closer cooperation among Himalayan countries on transboundary conservation. He specifically encouraged participation in the International Big Cats Alliance, a multilateral effort aimed at protecting species such as the snow leopard, tiger, and clouded leopard.
Yadav referenced India’s Project Snow Leopard and shared findings from the country’s first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment conducted between 2019 and 2023. The study recorded 718 snow leopards, representing 10–15% of the global population, underscoring India’s ecological responsibility and leadership.
India’s Five-Point Global Action Plan for Mountains
In a significant contribution to the summit, Bhupender Yadav outlined a five-pronged strategy to guide global mountain protection efforts:
1. Enhanced Scientific Cooperation – Nations must collaborate to monitor changes in glaciers, water systems, and biodiversity, ensuring informed policy responses.
2. Building Climate Resilience – Investments are needed in early warning systems for climate disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and in the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.
3. Empowering Mountain Communities – Local populations must be central to policymaking. Support for green livelihoods, ecotourism, and the use of traditional knowledge is essential.
4. Providing Green Finance – Predictable, adequate financial flows in line with the Paris Agreement must be secured to enable effective adaptation and mitigation.
5. Recognizing Mountain Perspectives – Global climate governance must reflect the unique vulnerabilities and values of mountain regions.
He concluded his address by reaffirming India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, invoking the Sanskrit ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” the world is one family.
Charting a Collaborative Future
The Sagarmatha Sambaad concluded with a call for global solidarity in mountain conservation and youth empowerment. As mountain nations like India, Nepal, and Bhutan lead by example, the burden now falls on the international community to ensure that promises made in Kathmandu are translated into policies that protect people, preserve ecosystems, and empower the next generation.
Bhupender Yadav’s five-point action plan is not just a diplomatic gesture it is a roadmap for mountain justice, climate resilience, and inclusive growth in an era of shared ecological destiny.