India will not create any problems on climate change: PM Modi
Singapore: Setting the tone for Paris climate change conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that India will not create any "problems" for the world in combating global warming, an apparent response to the US'
Singapore: Setting the tone for Paris climate change conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that India will not create any "problems" for the world in combating global warming, an apparent response to the US' contention that it will be a "challenge" at the meet.
He said India needs huge amounts of energy for development but will do whatever it can to deal with the problem of climate change as it sees the world as one family.
Addressing the Indian diaspora here before winding up his two-day visit to Singapore, Modi said his government is laying thrust in generating of power from clean and renewable sources like solar, nuclear, wind and biomass with the target of 175 giga watts and in turn reduce dependence on coal.
"By 2022, when the country celebrates its 75th Independence Day, we want to provide 24x7 electricity to all the villages," he said.
"We need power but we will not create problems for the world," the Prime Minister asserted as he highlighted how environment is worshipped in India and invoked Mahatma Gandhi in this regard.
His assertion came days after US Secretary of State John Kerry said India could be a "challenge" at upcoming climate change talks in Paris beginning November 30 as it "has been more cautious, a little more restrained in its embrace of this new paradigm".
India has been resisting the efforts of the developed world to put the onus of the climate change problem on developing countries, citing the "historical responsibility" of the industrialised nations in polluting the environment.
It is pressing for funding and transfer of low-cost technology to developing nations by the developed countries to enable them to meet their developmental needs in a clean manner.
"40 per cent of the electricity generated will be from non-fossil sources," Modi said.
"There are small island nations which fear that they will be drowned by global warming. We will not let that happen.
India will do whatever we can (to combat climate change) as we believe in 'vasudeva kutumbakam' (whole world is one family)," he said in his 75-minute speech.
Sending out a message to the developed world, Modi said Indians see God in elements of the environment like plants, water and sun and worship them as if it linked to their life.
"We cannot even think of damaging the environment," he added.
Talking about his government's efforts to boost solar power generation, the Prime Minister said it is expensive and hence India needs funds, technology and collaboration with foreign countries having expertise in the field.
"People are seeing new opportunities for investments (in this field)," he said.
In his speech, Modi also talked about his efforts to build relations with countries across the world, developmental endeavours at home and the importance of unity and harmony for preserving the country's pride.
He recalled his earlier statement that India, under him, will "look at the world neither with low esteem nor proudly but on equal terms. Today, the world is dealing with India on equal terms."
Giving the example of International Yoga Day celebrated on June 21 across the world, Modi said India needs to highlight with "self-confidence" its rich culture and tradition.
"Did Modi bring Yoga? It was already there. But there was hesitation on part of our predecessors in propagating it as they were worried about what the world will think. But if we have self-confidence, the world will walk with you," he said.
He said his government has been working to raise the self-confidence of the people of the country while focussing on development which will "wipe the tears of people, provide jobs, bring about prosperity for farmers, empower women and move ahead in the world with the mantra of 'unity and integrity'."
Talking about opening up of various sectors for foreign investment, the Prime Minister said he does not see FDI only as Foreign Direct Investment but also as 'First Develop India'.
He said India needs to learn a lot from how Singapore was developed in 50 years, transforming a small village of fishermen into one of the most developed nations.
He referred to the reforms in railways and defence sectors which have been opened for FDI and said efforts are underway to get latest technology from the developed countries so that manufacturing in India could get a boost.