India seeks to be a leader in Climate Change Action: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on October 7, said that India seeks to be a leader in Climate Change Action with reduction of fossil fuel dependency and emissions. Delivering a keynote address during the celebration of 55 years of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (TIEC), Jaishankar said, “India’s initiative of the International Solar Alliance led by the vision of our Hon’ble PM is testimony to the fact that we are committed to a clean and sustainable future for the children of tomorrow.”

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India's ambitious target on renewable energy

Emphasizing on India’s future plan against climate change, Jaishankar reiterated India’s target of producing renewable energy.

“We are fast moving towards use of clean technologies and e-vehicles for reduction of fossil fuel dependency and emissions. We have also the fastest growing solar energy programme in the world,” said Jaishankar. “The target of production of 175 GW of renewable energy that India set for itself as part of the Solar Alliance Initiative and its integration in the main power grid, is well on its way to be achieved,” he added.

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The effort not limited to India's soil

Talking about the shared future, Jaishankar said that India does not limit its efforts towards climate change action to its soil. “Much of our development assistance, particularly capacity building through ITECis geared around training and projects in solar technologies and other renewables in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific island countries,” he said. “An economically and technologically connected world helps building bridges of friendship and camaraderie for lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.

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"Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam"

The minister, invoking the philosophy of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, said that countries of the global south are important partners for India. “Our forefathers have struggled together against colonial bondages. Today our collective bilateral trade stands around US$220 billion,” said Jaishankar. Adding that India’s relations with partner countries are based on the principles of equality, mutual respect for sovereignty and freedom of action and choice, Jaishankar said, “It is not based on competition, conditionalities or prescriptions. It stems from the spirit of solidarity to enhance mutual learning for shared and sustainable growth.” Jaishankar said that he was also delighted to have launched the e-Vidya Bharti and e-Arogya Bharti, tele-education and telemedicine project for Africa.

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(With inputs from agencies)