New Delhi: At the high-level segment of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) 7, India emphasized that global climate ambition must be complemented with adequate financial, technological, and capacity-building support for developing nations. Union Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh delivered India’s national statement, underlining that environmental action should be viewed not merely as a policy obligation but as a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and well-being.

Singh framed India’s approach to environmental sustainability around the principle that “the world is one family,” reaffirming the country’s commitment to working constructively with all UN member states to achieve a sustainable future and a resilient planet. He stressed that global action on climate and environment must adhere to the principles of Equity, Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), and respect national circumstances. According to Singh, these principles are essential for fostering ambition, building trust, and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

Highlighting India’s domestic environmental efforts, Singh said that the country has already achieved 50% non-fossil electricity installed capacity, significantly ahead of its initial target. He elaborated that India’s energy transition is being driven by diverse sources, including solar, wind, hydropower, biofuels, green hydrogen, offshore renewables, and large-scale energy storage. Flagship initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM are providing households and farmers with affordable clean energy while promoting active public participation in climate action.

Singh also emphasized India’s large-scale afforestation and ecosystem restoration programmes, which enhance forest and tree cover while supporting local livelihoods. He highlighted the country’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, under which over 2.6 billion saplings have been planted across India. River rejuvenation efforts, including the Namami Gange initiative, were cited as examples of science-based, community-driven approaches that have improved ecological health.

In addition to these domestic measures, Singh underscored India’s commitment to international environmental cooperation. He noted that India continues to advance collective action through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuels Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the International Big Cat Alliance, among others. These platforms facilitate knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and capacity building, particularly for developing countries.

Singh also highlighted India’s efforts to promote a circular economy and sustainable consumption practices. Initiatives in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) have been implemented across sectors including plastics, batteries, e-waste, and end-of-life vehicles, encouraging resource efficiency and environmentally responsible production.

Despite the progress, Singh stressed that developing countries require accessible finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support to implement climate and environmental commitments effectively. He called for UNEA outcomes to complement existing multilateral environmental agreements, avoid excessive reporting burdens, and remain practical and implementable for all member states.

Recognizing emerging environmental threats, Singh also mentioned India’s leadership in addressing wildfires, noting that the country has piloted a resolution on integrated fire management. He underscored that practical, science-based solutions, coupled with international cooperation, are essential for tackling both immediate and long-term environmental challenges.

Singh concluded by reinforcing India’s vision of environmental stewardship that places people at the center of climate action, balancing ambition with equity and support. The statement positioned India as a proactive contributor to global environmental governance, emphasizing the need for inclusive and practical approaches that empower developing nations to participate fully in global sustainability initiatives.

This address at UNEA-7 highlights India’s dual approach: ambitious domestic action combined with advocacy for equitable international support mechanisms. By linking development priorities with environmental sustainability, India seeks to ensure that climate ambition is achievable and that no country is left behind in the global transition toward a resilient, low-carbon future.

In summary, India’s UNEA-7 statement reinforced the principle that higher climate ambition must go hand in hand with practical support for developing nations. Singh’s address showcased India’s domestic achievements in renewable energy, afforestation, river rejuvenation, circular economy practices, and global collaborations, while advocating for accessible finance, technology, and capacity building as essential enablers for meaningful global climate action.