India proved its commitment to environment through actions: Modi

Elmau: ‘India’s commitment to the environment is being demonstrated through action. G7 countries should take inspiration from this,’ said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister was speaking at the ongoing G7 Summit in Germany. On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi brought to the notice of the developed countries that India’s efforts to protect the environment are more concrete. During the meeting in Germany, the Prime Minister held discussions with the Chancellor of Germany and the Presidents of France, Canada, South Africa and Indonesia.

Moreover, the Prime Minister was speaking at a seminar at the G7 Summit on ‘Investing in a Better Future: Climate, Energy, Health’. ‘The target of 10 per cent ethanol-blending in petrol has been achieved five months before the prescribed duration. India has the world’s first fully solar power-operated airport. India’s huge railway system will become net zero in this decade,’ the Prime Minister said.

Besides, if a huge country like India can achieve this, the developing countries can take inspiration from this. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the rich countries in the G7 would support India’s efforts in this scenario. A huge market for alternative energy sources is developing in India. The G7 countries can invest in the related technologies. The huge Indian marketplace will prove beneficial for newer technologies. The Prime Minister said that India’s demand for new technologies would make this technology available to the world at a much more affordable price.

The misconception has spread worldwide that emerging countries and the people in these countries are harming the environment. But India is a country that will erase this misconception. India has experienced immense prosperity in ancient times. India has also endured centuries of slavery. Independent India has now become the fastest-growing economy in the world. But in all this time, India has never compromised on its environmental commitment, the Prime Minister proudly claimed.

17% of the global population is in India. Despite this, the carbon emission from the country is just 5% of the global emission. The Prime Minister said this is the outcome of the traditional philosophy of coexistence that India has been blessed with.