India has reaffirmed its commitment to climate multilateralism and the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Antalya, Türkiye. In its opening statement delivered by Secretary Narendra Bhooshan of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India called for a fair, equitable and ambitious outcome at COP31, aligning with statements made by G77 and China, LMDC, and BASIC negotiating groups.
India emphasized that the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement remain the most inclusive platforms where every country has a voice, and welcomed the Presidency's vision of a 'COP of Implementation' guided by Dialogue, Consensus and Action. The country highlighted the growing challenges posed by the prospect of crossing 1.5°C warming, stressing that equity has become particularly urgent to ensure no one is left behind in collective climate efforts.
On climate finance, India emphasized that public finance from developed countries remains central to catalysing climate action in developing countries and strengthening adaptation finance flows to address their vulnerabilities. India specifically underscored the fundamental importance of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes the obligation of developed countries to provide financial resources to developing countries. India reiterated its commitment to contributing its fair share to global climate action while pursuing the development and well-being of its people, noting that just transition and meeting adaptation needs remain significant challenges particularly for the Global South where these are closely intertwined with development itself.