India Slams Developed Nations at ICJ Over Climate Crisis Responsibility

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Dec. India strongly criticized developed nations for their role in the climate crisis during a pivotal hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday. The hearing aims to examine the legal obligations of countries to combat climate change and the consequences of failing to do so.

India accused wealthy nations of exploiting the global carbon budget, neglecting climate-finance commitments, and pressuring developing countries to restrict their resource use. It emphasized the principles of equity and “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” (CBDR-RC) as central to addressing the global challenge of climate change.

Call for Equity and Historical Responsibility
Representing India, Luther M Rangreji, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the unequal contributions to environmental degradation and argued that accountability should also be unequal.
“If contribution to degradation is unequal, responsibility must also be unequal,” he said, urging developed nations to lead by achieving net-zero emissions well before 2050 and providing financial and technological support to developing nations.

India underscored that developing countries, which are the hardest hit by climate change, bear minimal responsibility for historical emissions.
“The developed world, which historically contributed the most, is ironically the best equipped with the technological and economic means to address this challenge,” Rangreji noted.

Criticism of Climate-Finance Commitments
India expressed disappointment over unfulfilled financial promises by developed countries, including the $100 billion annual climate-finance pledge made at the 2009 Copenhagen COP and commitments to the Adaptation Fund.

Calling the newly agreed climate-finance package at COP29 in Baku “too little, too distant,” India stressed that meaningful obligations cannot be assessed without simultaneously addressing climate-finance support.

Resistance to Overburdening Developing Nations
India reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement but cautioned against overburdening its citizens while pursuing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The nation, home to nearly 18% of the global population, has contributed less than 4% to historical emissions.

“Decisions on who should do what cannot be guided by science alone,” India argued, warning that biases in interpreting climate data could lead to inequitable solutions.

Global Implications of ICJ’s Opinion
The ICJ hearing stems from a resolution led by Pacific island nations, including Vanuatu, seeking an advisory opinion. While non-binding, the court’s verdict could establish a moral and legal benchmark in the fight against climate change.

Over the next two weeks, 98 countries, including major emitters and small island nations, are expected to present their arguments. India’s plea for fairness and equity is set to shape global discussions on the future of climate justice and accountability.