India has called on developed countries to fulfil their climate finance obligations under the Paris Agreement, emphasising that public financial support remains essential for developing nations confronting the growing impacts of climate change.
Delivering India's opening statement at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 10, 2026, Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reaffirmed India's commitment to climate multilateralism and equitable international cooperation.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: India presents its position on climate finance, equity and international climate cooperation at COP31.
Location: Antalya, Türkiye
Authority/Organisation: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India; UNFCCC.
Action Taken: India's opening statement calls on developed countries to fulfil climate finance obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement.
- Impact: The position reinforces India's emphasis on predictable public finance, adaptation support and equitable climate action for developing countries.
India highlighted the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), which recognises that countries have different historical responsibilities and capacities when responding to climate change.
Climate finance remains a central concern
India stressed that public finance from developed countries is essential to support climate action in developing economies. It specifically referred to Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes the obligation of developed countries to provide financial resources to developing countries.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Climate finance is a major issue for developing countries that face increasing climate risks while also managing economic development and infrastructure requirements. India's position matters for several reasons: - Financial support: Developing countries need accessible and predictable funding to strengthen climate resilience. - Climate adaptation: Investment is important for protecting communities, agriculture, infrastructure and livelihoods from climate impacts. - Global South representation: India's position highlights the development concerns of countries with different financial and technological capacities. - Climate justice: The principle of differentiated responsibilities remains central to discussions about who should provide resources and how climate action should be supported. - International negotiations: India's position may influence discussions around finance, adaptation and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
According to India's position, predictable financial support is important for strengthening adaptation measures and helping vulnerable countries respond to climate-related challenges.
India also emphasised that adaptation finance must address the needs of developing countries, particularly those facing increasing climate risks while continuing to pursue economic and social development.
Equity and just transition for the Global South
The Indian statement placed equity, just transition and adaptation at the centre of international climate action.
India highlighted that the transition towards sustainable economic systems must account for the development priorities of countries in the Global South. It stressed that climate policies should not overlook energy access, economic development and the well-being of people.
The country also referred to the growing challenges associated with the prospect of global warming crossing the 1.5°C threshold, arguing that equitable approaches are increasingly important to ensure that no country is left behind.
India supports multilateral climate negotiations
India reaffirmed that the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement remain important international platforms where every country has a voice in climate negotiations.
It welcomed the COP31 Presidency's vision of an implementation-focused conference guided by dialogue, consensus and action.
India also stated that it aligns with the positions expressed by the G77 and China, the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) and the BASIC group.
The government said India would engage constructively with other participating countries to work towards a fair, equitable and ambitious outcome.
India's statement represents its negotiating position at COP31. It does not mean that developed countries have accepted new financial commitments or that a final climate agreement has been reached.
