India joins Brazil-led forest fund as observer, calls for stronger ambition 10 years after Paris pact

India on Friday, November 7, 2025, while joining Brazil’s new global fund for tropical forests as an observer, said the global climate target remains inadequate even a decade after the Paris Agreement and called on developed countries to accelerate emissions cuts and deliver promised climate finance.

Making India’s statement at the COP30 Leaders Summit held in Belem, Brazil, India’s Ambassador to Brazil Dinesh Bhatia reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateralism and the Paris Agreement, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

“India welcomes and supports Brazil’s initiative to establish the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), which represents a significant step towards collective and sustained global action for the conservation of tropical forests. India is pleased to participate in the Facility as an observer,” Mr. Bhatia said.

Launched on Thursday, November 6, TFFF is a Brazilian-led global fund that rewards tropical countries for protecting and expanding forests. It aims to mobilize approximately $125 billion through public and private investment, using revenues generated by paying countries that protect forests.

India said COP30 is an opportunity to reflect on the global response to the challenge of global warming and celebrate the legacy of the Rio Summit, where principles of equality and common but differentiated responsibilities and relevant capabilities were adopted.

Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the country said the global target fell “insufficient” and “many countries’ NDCs (nationally determined contributions) fall short.”

“While developing countries continue to take decisive climate action, developed countries, which allocate disproportionately to the global carbon budget, must accelerate emissions reductions and provide the promised, adequate and predictable support,” the ambassador said. he said.

India has urged developed countries to achieve net zero emissions much earlier than they declared and invest significantly to achieve net negative emissions.

While recognizing the importance of mitigation, India emphasized that it is equally important to focus on adaptation to address climate risks and vulnerabilities at the local level, especially in developing countries.

Access to affordable finance, technology and capacity building is vital for developing countries to implement ambitious NDCs, Mr. Bhatia said.

“Fair, predictable and concessional climate finance remains the cornerstone of achieving global climate goals,” he said.

NDCs are national climate plans under the Paris Agreement that set targets for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change and guide global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

This year, countries are required to submit the third round of NDCs, called “NDC 3.0”, for the period 2031-2035.

Officials said India may submit updated NDCs in advance or at COP30 scheduled from November 10 to 21.

Highlighting India’s domestic progress, Mr. Bhatia said the country has consistently pursued a low-carbon development path and achieved many climate targets ahead of schedule.

He said that between 2005 and 2020, India reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 36 percent and this trend continues.

The ambassador said non-fossil fuel-based energy now accounts for more than half of India’s total installed capacity, enabling India to achieve its revised NDC target five years early.

India’s forest and tree cover has expanded to 25.17 per cent of its geographical area, creating an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent to the period from 2005 to 2021, he said.

“With nearly 200 GW of renewable energy, India is now the world’s third largest producer of renewable energy; ambitious programs in solar, wind, green hydrogen and biofuels are transforming the energy landscape,” he said.

The Ambassador also highlighted India’s leadership in launching the International Solar Alliance with France in 2015; this alliance currently unites more than 120 countries to promote affordable solar energy and South-South cooperation.

“Together, let us ensure that the next decade of climate action is defined not just by targets but by implementation, resilience and shared responsibility based on mutual trust and justice,” he said.

Mr Bhatia said the next decade of climate action should focus not just on setting targets but on concrete implementation, building resilience and ensuring shared responsibility based on mutual trust and justice.

It was published – 08 November 2025 08:40 IST