Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 19 September 2026, declared that India's per capita carbon emissions are less than half the global average, asserting that the country is presenting this fact firmly on international platforms. He made the remarks while inaugurating a two-day international conference titled 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics', organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi.

Key Remarks at the NGT Conference

Addressing eminent judges and judicial representatives from 17 countries, Prime Minister Modi challenged the global narrative that places the burden of carbon responsibility on developing nations. 'The responsibility for carbon emissions has been wrongly placed on developing countries,' he said, pointing out that developed nations emit six times more carbon per capita than India.

He reiterated the point with emphasis: 'In developed countries, per capita carbon emissions are six times higher than that of India — six times higher. India places this fact assertively and firmly across global forums.' He also urged every Indian citizen to carry this confidence into public discourse.

India's Environmental Heritage and Global Role

Modi invoked India's civilisational relationship with nature, stating that 'for centuries, India has, in a sense, guided the world' on matters of environment and ecology. He argued that India is now translating its cultural traditions into contemporary climate solutions while calling for collective global action.

He referenced India's participation at COP21 in Paris, where the country launched the book titled 'Convenient Action: Continuity for Change' — framed as an illustration of India's proactive climate diplomacy. 'By taking the world along with us, we are establishing new benchmarks for environmental protection,' he said.

Conference Scope and the NGT Mobile App

The two-day conference, convened by the National Green Tribunal, brings together judicial representatives to deliberate on critical gaps in policy formulation, implementation, and enforcement. The event also focuses on strengthening environmental governance and institutional cooperation across borders.

On the sidelines of the inaugural session, Prime Minister Modi launched the NGT Mobile App, aimed at improving public access to environmental justice and tribunal proceedings.

Broader Context: Developed vs Developing Nations

The debate over historical emissions responsibility is a longstanding fault line in global climate negotiations. India, along with other developing economies, has consistently argued that it should not bear the same mitigation burden as industrialised nations that have contributed the bulk of cumulative greenhouse gas emissions over the past two centuries. Modi's remarks at the NGT conference reinforce that diplomatic posture at a domestic judicial forum — a notable escalation of the messaging beyond purely international settings.

With global climate talks continuing to evolve, India's stance on equitable burden-sharing is expected to remain central to its negotiating position at upcoming multilateral forums.