Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's cultural traditions and commitment to preserving the environment during a joint statement with US President Joe Biden at the White House. Modi stated that India does not believe in exploiting nature and considers it an integral part of Indian culture. He highlighted the importance of environmental protection and climate action, stating that these principles are deeply rooted in Indian traditions.
Modi proudly mentioned that India is the only G20 country that has fulfilled its promises under the Paris Agreement, an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change. He also discussed India's ambitious goal of achieving 'net zero' carbon emissions for the Indian Railways by the end of the decade. With the vast scale of the Indian Railways, Modi illustrated the significance of this target, comparing it to the daily transportation capacity of the entire population of Australia.
Furthermore, Modi revealed India's focus on green hydrogen, expressing the desire for India to become a hub for this clean energy source. He mentioned the International Solar Alliance, a collaborative initiative launched by India to promote solar energy adoption, with several countries joining and working together with India in this regard. Modi assured that India would not only fulfill its own responsibilities but also provide assistance to other nations in combating climate change. He emphasized the need for resilient infrastructure development to mitigate the growing crisis caused by climate change, acknowledging the destructive impact on existing infrastructure.
President Biden also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the United States' commitment to addressing climate change. He mentioned the passing of the largest climate fund in the US, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue and the goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Biden outlined the US strategy, which includes transitioning industries to take advantage of cheaper and more accessible renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, the joint statement between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden highlighted India's cultural reverence for nature and its significant efforts to counter climate change. Both leaders emphasized the importance of international collaboration and shared responsibilities in tackling this global challenge. The discussion touched upon India's achievements in meeting its commitments under the Paris Agreement, the ambitious 'net zero' goal for the Indian Railways, the focus on green hydrogen, and the promotion of solar energy through the International Solar Alliance. The United States' commitment to renewable energy and climate action was also highlighted, along with the urgent need to address the climate crisis and build resilient infrastructure.