At NGT's climate conference, Modi says developing nations are wrongly blamed for emissions
India's per capita emissions are under half the world average. Does that settle who must cut first?
Published 20 September 2026. Written by Pratidin from the reports linked at the end; every fact checked by a separate review before publishing. How we work
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 September 2026 addressed the international conference on 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics', organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi, in the presence of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Attorney General R. Venkataramani. The two-day meeting brought together jurists, experts and policymakers from 17 countries. The Prime Minister said 'the responsibility for carbon emissions has been wrongly placed on developing countries', that India's per capita carbon emissions are less than half the global average, and that per capita emissions in developed countries are six times higher than India's. He said India is the only G20 country to have fulfilled all the commitments it made at the COP-21 summit in Paris, and has done so ahead of schedule.
He cited India's record over twelve years: solar capacity up from about 2 gigawatts to more than 160 gigawatts, wind capacity tripled, non-fossil energy capacity nearly quadrupled, more than 5 million homes with rooftop solar panels (with government support of up to ₹80,000 per household), solar pumps for 3 million farmers under the KUSUM scheme, and electric vehicles up nearly 950 times, with about 2.5 million sold last year. He also listed more than 70,000 Amrit Sarovars (water bodies), a rise of more than 22% in very dense forest cover, and global platforms India has led or joined: the International Solar Alliance, One Sun One World One Grid, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Global Biofuel Alliance, the International Big Cat Alliance and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
The argument rests on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), written into the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) of 1992: all countries share the duty to act, but those that emitted most historically and have more capacity should do more. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, each country sets its own targets, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India's updated NDC of 2022 aims to cut the emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach about 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, with net zero by 2070. Critics point out that India is the world's third-largest emitter in absolute terms and that coal still supplies most of its electricity generation, so capacity milestones do not by themselves mean falling emissions.
Prelims facts
- PM Modi told an NGT-organised conference on 19 September 2026 that responsibility for carbon emissions has been wrongly placed on developing countries.
- He said India's per capita carbon emissions are less than half the global average and that developed countries' per capita emissions are six times India's.
- India's solar capacity has risen from about 2 GW to more than 160 GW in twelve years, according to the PM.
- Common but differentiated responsibilities is a principle of the UNFCCC, 1992; the Paris Agreement (2015) works through Nationally Determined Contributions.
- The NGT was set up under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 and has its principal bench in New Delhi.
Quick recall
- Which body organised the conference 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics' in September 2026?
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- How does India's per capita carbon emission compare with the global average, according to the PM?
- Less than half the global average.
- India's solar capacity rose from about how much to how much in twelve years, per the PM?
- From about 2 GW to more than 160 GW.
- In which treaty is the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities written?
- The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992.
- What are NDCs?
- Nationally Determined Contributions: climate targets each country sets for itself under the Paris Agreement.
- What is India's net zero target year?
- 2070, announced at COP26 in Glasgow (2021).
- Under which Act was the NGT set up?
- The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
- Within how many days can an NGT order be appealed to the Supreme Court?
- 90 days.
Prelims practice question
With reference to India's climate commitments, consider the following statements:
1. India's updated NDC of 2022 aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from the 2005 level.
2. India has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 only. Statement 1 is correct: the updated NDC (2022) targets a 45% cut in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 from 2005 levels. Statement 2 is incorrect: India's net zero target year is 2070, announced at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
Use this in UPSC Mains: previous-year questions
Recurring theme: India's position in global climate negotiations and its domestic green institutions
- How to use this
Lets you show India's equity-based stance in climate fora, its delivery record, and critics' counterpoints.
- On 19 September 2026 the PM said responsibility for emissions is wrongly placed on developing countries; India's per capita emissions are under half the global average, per the PM.
- India's updated 2022 NDC targets a 45% cut in emissions intensity from 2005 levels and about 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030, with net zero by 2070.
- India leads or has joined the International Solar Alliance, OSOWOG, CDRI, Global Biofuel Alliance and Mission LiFE; critics note it is the third-largest absolute emitter and coal still dominates generation.
The NGT is the prime example of a specialised tribunal whose orders go directly to the Supreme Court, relevant to the debate on tribunals and ordinary courts.
The ISA, cited again in the speech, was launched at COP21 in 2015; membership is now open to all UN members.
Mains practice question
"The responsibility for carbon emissions has been wrongly placed on developing countries." Critically examine this claim in the light of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and India's own climate record. (250 words)
Model answer
Speaking at a National Green Tribunal conference on 19 September 2026, the Prime Minister argued that developing countries are wrongly blamed for emissions, noting India's per capita emissions are less than half the global average.
Arguments supporting the claim
- Historical responsibility: the stock of carbon in the atmosphere comes mostly from industrialised countries.
- Per capita equity: developed countries emit about six times more per person than India, the PM said.
- CBDR: the UNFCCC (1992) recognises common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
- Development needs: energy access and poverty reduction still require growth in energy use.
- Delivery: India says it met its first NDC targets early; solar capacity rose from about 2 GW to over 160 GW in twelve years.
Arguments against
- Absolute scale: India is the third-largest emitter in total, so its future path matters for 1.5°C.
- Coal: coal still supplies most power generation; capacity is not generation.
- Shifting line: large emerging economies such as China now have per capita emissions above the global average, blurring the developed-developing divide.
Way forward
- Press for climate finance and technology transfer promised under the Paris Agreement.
- Set sector-wise pathways for coal phase-down, storage and grid upgrades.
- Strengthen domestic enforcement through the NGT and carbon markets.
Equity is a valid principle, but India's credibility will rest on turning capacity gains into a visible fall in emissions intensity and, eventually, absolute emissions.
The basics
Why this matters
Climate negotiations keep returning to one question: who should cut emissions, and how fast? India's answer rests on fairness. At a conference hosted by the National Green Tribunal, the Prime Minister restated it: developing countries are wrongly blamed, and India's per capita emissions are less than half the global average. To judge the claim you need three ideas: Common but differentiated responsibilities, Nationally Determined Contributions and the domestic role of the National Green Tribunal.
Total versus per person
Countries can be ranked two ways. By total emissions, India is the third-largest emitter. By emissions per person, it is well below the world average, because its emissions are shared among a very large population. Developing countries stress the per person view and the historical stock of carbon; developed countries often stress current totals.
- India's per capita emissions are under half the global average
- Developed countries emit about six times more per person than India, the PM said
- Most carbon already in the air came from early industrialisers
- India is the third-largest emitter in total
- Future growth in large economies decides whether 1.5°C is reachable
- Coal still supplies most of India's electricity
The rulebook: from Rio to Paris
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) wrote fairness into law through the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The Kyoto Protocol (1997) put binding targets only on developed countries. The Paris Agreement (2015) changed the design: every country now sets its own target, the NDC, and updates it over time.
- 1992UNFCCC adopted at the Rio Earth Summit, with the CBDR principle
- 1997Kyoto Protocol sets binding targets for developed countries only
- 2015Paris Agreement at COP21: all countries submit NDCs
- 2021India announces net zero by 2070 at COP26, Glasgow
- 2022India updates its NDC: 45% intensity cut, about 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030
India's claimed record
The Prime Minister cited a jump in solar capacity from about 2 GW to more than 160 GW in twelve years, wind capacity tripled and non-fossil capacity nearly quadrupled, and said India is the only G20 country to have met all its Paris commitments ahead of schedule.
The domestic enforcer
International promises need domestic law to bite. India's National Green Tribunal hears environmental cases under seven laws and applies the polluter pays and precautionary principles. The conference it hosted is a reminder that climate action is also a legal question, and that platforms like the International Solar Alliance need rules at home to deliver.
Go deeper
In one line: At a conference hosted by the National Green Tribunal, the Prime Minister argued that developing countries are wrongly blamed for emissions and set out India's clean energy record.
Why it matters for UPSC
Climate equity is a staple of GS3 and of Essay. The speech gives current numbers (solar capacity, per capita emissions) and restates India's negotiating position, while the venue brings in the NGT, a statutory quasi-judicial body under GS2.
The core idea
India's stance rests on Common but differentiated responsibilities: all must act, but those who emitted most and can pay more should lead. Under the Paris Agreement each country sets Nationally Determined Contributions, and India says it has met its first set early. Platforms such as the International Solar Alliance project that record abroad, while the National Green Tribunal enforces environmental law at home.
Numbers and dates to remember
- Speech: 19 September 2026; conference delegates from 17 countries.
- Per capita emissions: less than half the global average; developed countries about six times India's (PM).
- Solar: about 2 GW to more than 160 GW in twelve years; wind tripled; non-fossil capacity nearly quadrupled.
- Updated NDC (2022): 45% intensity cut from 2005 and about 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030; net zero 2070.
- NGT Act: 2010; appeals to Supreme Court within 90 days.
Where to go next
- Common but differentiated responsibilities: the equity principle behind India's argument.
- Nationally Determined Contributions: how Paris targets work.
- National Green Tribunal: India's green court.
- International Solar Alliance: India's flagship global platform.
Go deeper: is per capita the right yardstick?
For the Indian position. Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for a long time, so warming depends on cumulative emissions. Early industrialisers built their wealth on that stock. Common but differentiated responsibilities reflects this, and per capita comparisons show that an average Indian emits far less than an average person in a rich country. Poverty reduction and energy access need room to grow.
Against. The atmosphere responds to totals, not averages, and India is the third-largest emitter in total. Some large emerging economies, such as China, now emit more per person than the world average, which blurs the old divide. Installed capacity is also not the same as generation: coal still produces most of India's electricity, so capacity milestones in the Nationally Determined Contributions do not guarantee falling emissions.
Where the debate is heading. The Paris design asks each country to raise ambition in each new NDC. Developing countries tie higher ambition to finance and technology transfer, which have fallen short of promises. India's diplomacy uses coalitions such as the International Solar Alliance to show leadership without accepting binding cuts.
The domestic test. Credibility abroad depends on enforcement at home. The National Green Tribunal applies the polluter pays and precautionary principles and can order compensation. A balanced answer accepts the equity argument while showing a clear plan for coal phase-down, storage and cleaner industry.
Common but differentiated responsibilities
The equity principle behind India's climate diplomacy.
In one line: Common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) means every country must help protect the climate, but richer countries that emitted more should do more.
Where it comes from
The principle was written into the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, usually with the words 'and respective capabilities' (CBDR-RC). It reflects two facts: most carbon already in the atmosphere came from industrialised countries, and they have more money and technology to cut emissions.
How it has been applied
The Kyoto Protocol (1997) set binding targets only for developed countries. The Paris Agreement (2015) kept the principle but asked all countries to set their own targets, reading CBDR 'in the light of different national circumstances'.
Why it is in the news
The Prime Minister's statement that developing countries are wrongly blamed for emissions is a direct appeal to CBDR.
Where to go next
Common but differentiated responsibilities: every story that connects to it (3)
Nationally Determined Contributions
How targets are set under the Paris Agreement.
In one line: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the climate targets each country sets for itself and submits under the Paris Agreement.
How the system works
The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, has a global goal of keeping warming well below 2°C and pursuing 1.5°C. Instead of dividing cuts from the top, it lets each country pledge what it can, and expects each new NDC to be more ambitious than the last. A periodic global stocktake checks collective progress.
India's targets
India's first NDC (2015) promised a 33 to 35% cut in emissions intensity of GDP from 2005 levels by 2030, 40% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources, and an extra carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forests. The 2022 update raised the intensity target to 45% and the non-fossil capacity target to about 50%.
Why it is in the news
The Prime Minister said India is the only G20 country to have met all its Paris commitments ahead of schedule.
Where to go next
National Green Tribunal
India's specialised court for environmental cases.
In one line: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a statutory, specialised body that decides civil cases on environmental protection and conservation.
How it is set up
It was created under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. Its principal bench is in New Delhi, with zonal benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai. It is headed by a Chairperson and has judicial members and expert members with scientific or environmental expertise. It tries to decide cases within six months, and appeals go to the Supreme Court within 90 days.
What it applies
The NGT hears cases under laws listed in Schedule I of the Act, including the Water Act, 1974, the Air Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. It must apply the principles of sustainable development, precaution and polluter pays.
Why it is in the news
The NGT organised the international conference on 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics', inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
Where to go next
International Solar Alliance
India's flagship coalition for solar energy.
In one line: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based body, launched by India and France, that promotes solar energy deployment, especially in developing countries.
Origins and design
The ISA was launched at COP21 in Paris in 2015, the same summit that adopted the Paris Agreement. Its headquarters is in Gurugram, India. It was first aimed at countries lying fully or partly between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and its membership was later opened to all UN member states. The related idea of One Sun One World One Grid aims to connect solar power across regions.
Why it matters
The ISA lets India show climate leadership through cooperation on finance, standards and projects rather than binding emission cuts, in line with its equity-based stance.
Why it is in the news
The Prime Minister listed the ISA, One Sun One World One Grid, CDRI, the Global Biofuel Alliance, the International Big Cat Alliance and Mission LiFE as India's global green initiatives.
Where to go next
Take the 20 September 2026 quiz: 30 Prelims-style questions with answers