Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, at the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 17 September 2021)

Thank you, Madam Chair,

     India would like to thank the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development for his detailed report. The report of the SR examines climate action at the national level from the perspective of the Right to Development. We take note of the recommendations in the report on integrating the right to development into climate action.

2.   India’s commitment to combat climate change is rooted in our ethos, which considers Earth as Mother. We have taken numerous steps to fulfill our obligations, as per our National Action Plan on Climate Change, National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change, and Climate Change Action Programme, etc.

3.   As a country which is home to 1/6th of the humanity, India is aware of the adverse impact of climate change on our inclusive and sustainable development, including our goal of eradication of poverty and provision of likelihood for our people who depend on climate sensitive sectors. Hence for India, adaptation to climate change and to factor it in our development strategy is an imperative.

4.   Our ambitious renewable energy target of 450 Gigawatts by 2030 shows our commitment towards global climate action. Despite our development challenges, we have succeeded in increasing our forest cover and preserve bio-diversity. We are among the few countries whose NDCs are 2-degree-Celsius compatible and we have met our targets for 2020. We have continued to stress on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and equity.

5.   We have also taken, together with partner countries, global initiatives like International Solar Alliance, LeadIT, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

6.   India remains committed to the implementation of the Right to Development and will continue to support the activities of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development.

    I thank you, Madam Chair.

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