Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a significant appearance at the World Climate Action Summit, which forms the High-Level Segment of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This pivotal summit takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 1. The visit, which is at the behest of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscores the strengthening ties between India and the UAE, as well as the former’s commitment to climate action on the global stage.
This two-day visit is not just a diplomatic formality but a testament to India’s proactive engagement in global environmental discussions. PM Modi’s agenda is packed with strategic bilateral meetings with global leaders present at the summit, aiming to foster collaborative efforts in combating climate change, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. These meetings are anticipated to be a springboard for furthering international partnerships in environmental conservation and climate action initiatives.
At the heart of this summit is the opportunity to accelerate collective efforts to address the urgent issue of climate change, a goal that India has positioned as a cornerstone of its international policy. During COP26 in Glasgow, PM Narendra Modi left a lasting impression by unveiling India’s ambitious climate targets, known as the “Panchamrit,” which reflect India’s unprecedented commitment to climate action. Additionally, he launched the Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, advocating for a sustainable lifestyle as a key to combating climate change.
Climate Change Agenda & PM Narendra Modi
India, currently at the helm of the G20 Presidency, has placed climate change at the forefront of its agenda. This was evident in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, which encapsulated India’s push for global climate action. The COP28 presents a strategic platform for India to build on the progress achieved during its G20 Presidency and to engage with the international community in setting the climate agenda for the future.
Previously in July, PM Narendra Modi visited the UAE on an official trip, further cementing the bilateral relationship. The visit marked another milestone in the evolving India-UAE partnership, which saw a substantial leap with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022. This agreement has been a game-changer, significantly boosting trade and economic engagement between the two nations.
The Foreign Secretary has expressed optimism that PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit will pave the way for exploring new avenues for India to structure similar strategic economic partnerships with other nations in the region and beyond. It’s a visit that stands to not only reinforce the economic ties but also to bolster India’s position as a pivotal player in the global environmental dialogue.
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