India Asserts Climate Justice at COP30, Rejects Shift of Mitigation Burden onto Developing Nations

At COP30 in Belem, India delivered one of its strongest statements yet on climate equity, warning developed nations that they cannot transfer their historical responsibility for emissions to developing countries. Speaking on behalf of the Like Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group, which includes China, Saudi Arabia and others, India asserted that climate action must respect the foundational principles of the Paris Agreement, particularly equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). India reiterated that developed countries are legally obligated not only to lead the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions but also to provide finance and technology to support climate action in the developing world. It highlighted that adaptation—not mitigation—is the primary priority for developing nations, which continue to face urgent development needs such as poverty eradication, energy access, and economic growth. Indian negotiator Suman Chandra stated that developing countries are already doing “more than their fair share” despite their limited historical contribution to the climate crisis. At COP30, developing nations succeeded in pushing forward two long-standing concerns: a two-year work programme to address climate finance, including obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, and recognition of concerns over unilateral trade measures like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The final package also called for tripling international adaptation finance by 2035, though India noted that resistance from developed nations delayed agreement and attempted to weaken commitments. Overall, India’s intervention signalled growing confidence among developing countries and a clear message that future climate negotiations must honour existing agreements, respect national sovereignty, and avoid shifting mitigation burdens away from historically responsible economies.