‘Climate change a common challenge’: India on Nepal’s ‘justice’ demand

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal called on major greenhouse gas emitters, including India, China, and the US, to provide climate-related compensation to nations vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The call for justice follows a devastating flash flood in the Nepal-Tibet border region on August 26, which has left 1,259 dead and nearly 5,000 missing.

India's Ministry of External Affairs responded to Khanal's remarks, reaffirming its position that developed countries must take the lead in tackling climate change. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India had extended support to Nepal following the floods and would continue to assist in reconstruction and recovery efforts. The spokesperson emphasized that India maintains the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in addressing climate change.

Khanal argued that India, China, and the US had a legal and moral responsibility to compensate climate-vulnerable countries. He cited UN data showing that the three countries together account for 45-48% of global greenhouse gas emissions. India is the world's third-largest emitter, accounting for 7-8% of global emissions, behind China and the US.

Meanwhile, Nepal's Prime Minister, Bhutan Shah, thanked India and China for their swift assistance in the wake of the disaster, highlighting their role in ongoing rescue and relief operations.