India Calls Climate Change a Shared Challenge, Urges Developed Nations to Lead
India says climate change is a common challenge, with developed nations responsible for emissions, amid Nepal's compensation demand.
India has responded to Nepal's recent remarks on climate change compensation, stating that the crisis is a "common challenge" and that developed nations, historically the largest emitters, must take the lead in addressing it. The response came from External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday, in reaction to comments made by Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.
Khanal had earlier suggested that the world's top three greenhouse gas emitters—the U.S., China, and India—should bear responsibility and provide compensation for climate-related disasters, citing last month's flash floods in Nepal. However, he later denied formally requesting compensation and expressed gratitude for India's assistance.
Jaiswal emphasized India's consistent stance on "common but differentiated responsibilities," noting that developed countries have contributed overwhelmingly to the current crisis and must support developing nations through finance and technology transfer. He reiterated India's role as a "friend and partner" to Nepal, highlighting the dispatch of relief consignments and a team of tunnel rescue specialists since the August 26 disaster.
He also acknowledged that Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah had thanked India in parliament for its aid. Khanal, ahead of the UN General Assembly session, framed Nepal's approach as one of "justice and compensation" rather than "aid," though he later softened his stance. India has maintained its commitment to assisting Nepal in the aftermath of the floods.