India urges equitable, people-centric transitions at COP30

India has called for stronger multilateralism and firm adherence to the Paris Agreement’s principles at COP30, stressing that global climate action must remain fair, people-centred and rooted in international cooperation. Representing the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), India warned against unilateral measures that undermine trust and impede climate progress.

India defends multilateral climate architecture

Addressing the joint plenary in Belém, India underlined that COP30 marks a decade of the Paris Agreement and more than three decades of the UN climate framework. It cautioned that any attempt to reinterpret the Agreement’s balance would weaken equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. India said restrictive unilateral trade actions threaten global climate collaboration and must not become a tool for reshaping climate commitments.

Finance and technology as critical gaps

India emphasised that finance, technology transfer and capacity building continue to be major barriers for developing nations. The LMDCs reiterated that financial support from developed countries is a legal obligation under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement. India welcomed informal consultations on this issue but urged meaningful progress, insisting that delayed implementation erodes trust and slows climate ambition.

Prioritising adaptation and just transitions

India called for COP30 to be recognised as a “COP of Adaptation”, citing a widening adaptation finance gap. It urged all countries to submit robust National Adaptation Plans backed by resources. On just transitions, India stressed that the Just Transition Work Programme must reflect equity, cover entire economies and societies, and ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind. It highlighted the need for institutional arrangements that embed fairness across all climate actions.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India represented the LMDC group at the COP30 joint plenary.
• Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement obligates developed countries to provide climate finance.
• Adaptation needs are estimated to exceed current finance flows by nearly 15 times.
• The Just Transition Work Programme aims to support equitable and inclusive climate transitions.

Global push for a Just Transition Mechanism

Developing countries, led by the G77 and China, called for an institutional Just Transition Mechanism to coordinate finance, technology and capacity-building support. China described just transition as a global responsibility requiring a strong international framework, while Nigeria highlighted the need for concessional finance for resource-dependent economies. Australia acknowledged that deeper cooperation is essential to turn commitments into implementation. As negotiations continue, the proposed mechanism could become a defining outcome of COP30, shaping how nations pursue climate-resilient development without compromising equity.