PM Modi arrives in Paris for global climate change summit, likely to hold bilateral meeting with Obama

Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on late Sunday night to attend the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) where about 150 heads of state and governments will gather to set agenda for the Summit.

PM Modi arrived at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris at around 11:30 pm (IST).

PM @narendramodi reaches Paris to join @COP21 Summit. @India4Climate pic.twitter.com/zzG4cb1CS8

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 29, 2015

Before leaving for France, PM Modi had said that India will deliberate on crucial issues relating to environmental and climate change.

Minutes before boarding the plane, PM Modi wrote on Twitter: "Leaving for Paris, where I will join @COP21. In the Summit, we will deliberate on crucial issues relating to environment & climate change."

Leaving for Paris, where I will join @COP21. In the Summit, we will deliberate on crucial issues relating to environment & climate change.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 29, 2015

"At the @COP21 will inaugurate India Pavilion, showcasing India's harmony with nature, environment & commitment to mitigate climate change," Modi said in another tweet.

At the @COP21 will inaugurate India Pavilion, showcasing India's harmony with nature, environment & commitment to mitigate climate change.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 29, 2015

The Prime Minister further said that he and French President Francois Hollande will jointly host a meeting of International Solar Alliance.

President @fhollande & I will jointly host a meeting of International Solar Alliance. Will also attend 'Mission Innovation' hosted by @POTUS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 29, 2015

Meanwhile early opening of negotiations to finalize the draft agreement is to begin later tonight. For this purpose a special body was created in Durban, South Africa, in 2011 for negotiations on the universal climate agreement that's supposed to be adopted in Paris.

During his two-day visit, the Prime Minister will speak at the 'Leaders Event' in which he is expected to touch upon issues pertaining to global warming and assert India`s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.

PM Modi will also attend 'Mission Innovation' being hosted by US President Barack Obama.

Prior to his departure, the Prime Minister said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat': "The whole world is worried about climate change. There are discussions everywhere over it and concerns are being expressed.... The temperature of the Earth should not increase now. It is the responsibility and concern of all."

According to media reports, Prime Minister Modi is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, on the sidelines of the summit.

PM Modi's emphasis on the responsibility of all assumes significance as the developed world is trying to place greater onus on developing nations like India in the fight against climate change.

India has been maintaining that the developed countries have been the major polluters over centuries and should assume greater role in fighting global warming by funding and transferring low-cost technology to developing nations.

Joining a select group of countries, India said it will provide USD 2.5 million for the vulnerable nations in the Commonwealth to help them introduce clean energy and reduce green-house gas emissions.

The two-week long summit is being seen as a key event aimed at addressing the climate change challenge.

An international agreement on climate change focussed on curbing the emission of greenhouse gases is expected to come out of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference.

One of the important challenges looming over mankind in recent times is to keep the average global temperature rise below 2° Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.

Prime Minister Modi has always taken a strong stand on climate issues. He has time and again urged the leading nations in the world to take steps to curb emissions in order to give clean environment to the future generations.