India has strongly advocated for collective leadership in advancing global sustainability at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasilia, Brazil.
Led by Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Indian delegation emphasised the need for a unified approach among BRICS nations to address climate challenges and support a just transition.
During the first session, India highlighted BRICS’ significant role in shaping global climate action. With BRICS nations accounting for nearly half of the world’s population and a substantial share of global GDP, India stressed their collective responsibility in tackling climate change.
Referring to the New Delhi Statement from the 7th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in 2021, India reiterated the need for an integrated strategy that balances adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development goals.
One of the key areas of discussion was the ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap,’ which aims to mobilise USD 1.3 trillion for meeting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets.
India urged BRICS nations to strengthen financial mechanisms and ensure equitable access to climate funding, particularly for developing economies.
India also underlined the importance of energy security and the transition towards a sustainable energy mix. It reaffirmed commitments made in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, which supports diversified energy sources, including renewables, hydrogen, and nuclear energy.
The Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World, One Grid, launched under the International Solar Alliance, was highlighted as a key project for global renewable energy integration.
Additionally, India stressed the need for resource efficiency and a circular economy in climate mitigation efforts. It cited the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition, launched under the G20, as an effective model for global collaboration on sustainable resource management.
The Indian delegation asserted that a just transition must consider the economic realities of different nations, ensuring that finance, technology, and capacity-building support are accessible to all.
In the second session, India welcomed BRICS' expansion to eleven members, stating that it strengthens the group’s influence in global climate governance. Common environmental challenges such as desertification, pollution, and biodiversity loss were identified as critical areas where BRICS nations must work together.
India reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral climate negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and other global platforms.
The principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) was emphasised as a core guideline for fair climate action.
Furthermore, India recognised BRICS’ leadership in sustainability through initiatives such as the Partnership for Urban Environmental Sustainability and the Clean Rivers Programme.
The country called for enhanced cooperation in addressing marine plastic pollution, improving air quality, and advancing resource efficiency.
On climate finance, India pointed out the need for developed nations to fulfil their financial commitments. It noted that the proposed USD 300 billion per year under the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance by 2035 falls significantly short of the required USD 1.3 trillion.
With COP30 set to be hosted in Brazil, India underscored its importance in shaping future climate adaptation strategies.
India also highlighted its leadership in conservation efforts, mentioning initiatives such as the International Big Cat Alliance, aimed at global wildlife protection.
It encouraged BRICS nations to participate in sustainability initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Leadership Group for Industry Transition, and the Global Biofuel Alliance.
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