India's Statement – 173rd CPR Meeting
20 April 2026
Mr. Chair,
Madame Executive Director,
Distinguished Delegates,
India aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Distinguished Representative of Kenya on behalf of the G-77 and China.
India acknowledges successful conclusion of the 7th Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, where India introduced resolution on ‘Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires’.
My delegation would like to appreciate Madam Executive Director and her team for the comprehensive Quarterly Report and acknowledges the Secretariat’s continued efforts in advancing UNEP’s wider agenda.. India extends appreciation to the Chair, H.E. Mr. Sultan Hajiyev, and commend the UNEP Secretariat for their diligent preparation of today’s agenda and documentation.
Additionally, we thank Madam ED for timely updates on various programmes being implemented and would request UNEP to continue to update member states on the outcomes of these programmes.
India is also pleased to inform this committee that in December 2025, we officially revised our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the 2031-2035 period. This updated commitment reflects India’s "highest possible ambition," raising our target to reduce the emissions intensity of our GDP to 47% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. Furthermore, India has pledged to achieve a 60% share of non-fossil fuel-based energy resources in our cumulative electric power installed capacity by 2035, while significantly expanding our carbon sink through forest and tree cover.
India acknowledges the evaluation of the Chemicals and Pollution Action Subprogramme report and the presentation by the UNEP Secretariat on the management response.
We urge UNEP to continue promoting international cooperation in knowledge sharing and the transfer of climate technology, to empower developing nations in their climate efforts.
India supports efforts to strengthen UNEP’s accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency. We encourage UNEP to continue enhancing its internal governance and to ensure that resources are deployed effectively to support member states.
On financial matters, India reiterates the importance of adopting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to environmental challenges. All environmental challenges, particularly those impacting developing nations, should receive equitable attention. India underscores the need for greater efforts toward achieving equitable geographical representation in leadership and professional posts.
India encourages further steps to strengthen environment governance and regional representation; institutionalize feedback mechanisms that allow Member States to shape UNEP’s responsiveness and agility; and strengthen Global South Dialogue Series under the CPR framework
I Thank you.
