India's per capita carbon emissions six times lower than developed nations: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday underscored India's climate commitments while drawing comparisons with developed economies, stating that India's per capita carbon emissions remain significantly below global averages despite the country's large population.

Addressing an environment and climate conference, Modi pointed out that per capita emissions in developed nations are approximately six times higher than India's levels. He characterized this disparity as a key distinction in the global climate debate, positioning India as a responsible actor in the international climate framework.

Modi also highlighted India's progress in meeting climate pledges made under the Paris Agreement, noting that the country has surpassed its commitments ahead of schedule. He cited the renewable energy sector as a prime example, stating that India's solar capacity has expanded dramatically from 2 gigawatts to over 160 gigawatts in the past 12 years.

The Prime Minister's remarks come as India continues to balance development needs with environmental sustainability. The country's renewable energy expansion represents one of the world's fastest rates of clean energy deployment, though India remains dependent on coal for a significant portion of its electricity generation.