Ban lauds India for ratifying historic Paris climate deal

United Nations: Sabhi Bharatiyon ko Dhanyawad (I thank all Indians), UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today said as he lauded India on ratifying the historic Paris climate deal on Gandhi Jayanti and asserted that India has demonstrated global leadership and vision by the move.

Ban said that this "historic" step will further India's sustainable path to growth and development and the step moves the world an important step closer towards achieving the climate goal.

"Sabhi bharatiyo ko Dhanyawad (I thank all the Indians)," Moon said in a video message on the United Nations news centre.

"Today, the government of India has demonstrated global leadership and vision by joining the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This historic step will further India's sustainable path to growth and development," he added.

On Gandhi Jayanti, India ratified the historic Paris agreement on climate change, becoming the 62nd country to do so and one of the key countries to push the pact closer to coming into force later this year.

Later in a message issued by United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan, Ban also urged all countries to complete their domestic process for ratification of the pact and also strive in all activities to achieve progress through non-violence, which he said was essential in building a "safer, healthier and more peaceful world".

"I warmly congratulate India for its climate leadership and for building on a strong momentum we see from all corners of the globe for the agreement to enter into force as quickly as possible this year.

"India's ratification of the agreement moves the world an important step closer towards achieving the goal," Moon said.

He said that every year on this International Day of non violence, "we recommit ourselves to the cause of peace as exemplified by the life of Mahatma Gandhi".

Noting that to nurture peace, there is a need to respect Nature, Ban said he was pleased that this year's International Day of Non-violence puts the focus on sustainability and the environment.

He noted that Gandhi reminded that Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone's needs but not every greeds and today that commitment is reflected in a "momentous" way as India is depositing its instrument of ratification to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

"Gandhi also challenged us to 'be the change we wish to see in the world'.

"What better way to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi and his legacy for people and plant," he added.