India Calls for Equitable, People-Centric Climate Action at COP30

India reaffirmed its commitment to equity-based global climate action during the COP30 joint plenary in Belém, Brazil , emphasising that climate transitions must be people-centric, fair and grounded in multilateral cooperation . Representing the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs) , India warned that attempts to reinterpret the Paris Agreement’s foundational principles could undermine decades of progress.

Strengthening Multilateral Climate Architecture

India highlighted that COP30 marks 10 years of the Paris Agreement and over three decades of international climate negotiations. It cautioned against unilateral actions—particularly restrictive trade measures—that distort global cooperation and jeopardise trust among nations. Any departure from the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR-RC) , India argued, weakens the global climate framework.

Finance and Technology: The Core Gaps

India stressed that finance, technology transfer and capacity building remain the largest obstacles for developing nations. The LMDCs reiterated that developed countries have a legal obligation under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement to provide climate finance. While India welcomed informal consultations, it urged concrete progress, arguing that delayed action erodes trust and slows overall climate ambition.

Adaptation and Just Transitions

Calling COP30 a potential “COP of Adaptation” , India drew attention to the massive adaptation financing gap—estimated at nearly 15 times current flows. It pushed for strong National Adaptation Plans supported by predictable resources. On just transitions, India insisted that the Just Transition Work Programme must cover whole societies and economies, and ensure that vulnerable communities are not excluded.

Toward a Global Just Transition Mechanism

Developing countries, led by the G77 and China , called for an institutional Just Transition Mechanism to coordinate global support. Countries including China, Nigeria and Australia stressed that cooperative frameworks are essential to turn commitments into meaningful action. The mechanism is expected to be a key outcome shaping COP30 negotiations.

Exam Points

• India represented the LMDCs at COP30.

• Article 9.1 mandates climate finance from developed nations.

• Adaptation finance needs exceed current flows by ~15 times .

• India called COP30 a potential “COP of Adaptation.”

• Just Transition Work Programme aims for inclusive, equitable transitions .

• G77 & China proposed a Global Just Transition Mechanism .