G20 presidency to focus on green transition, says EAM Jaishankar

Green transition is one of the core agendas of India’s G20 presidency, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar on Tuesday at the inaugural session of the CII India-Europe Sustainability Conclave.

“Electric vehicles, as Minister Rasmussen (His Danish counterpart) noted, will be the next big thing for a green transition of India’s urban landscape,” he said, adding, “Green transition is also the core of our sustainability goals and it is enshrined in our agenda for the G20 presidency, and in fact, Prime Minister Modi’s LiFE Initiative adds the dimension of individual responsibility and ownership of our environment, in the synergy with India’s declared climate and environmental goals.”

He was speaking in the presence of Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and Jan Lipavský Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The Conclave focuses on the strategic role of the India-Europe partnership in changing the geo-political scenario, strengthening bilateral engagements, and discussions on emerging economic opportunities.

“Promoting green financing is the ignition for any long-term result-oriented outcome. India is today one of the leading countries in climate change mitigation commitments and environmental protection- a low carbon development strategy lays out the path to a carbon-neutral economy while taking into account specific development, we have the 3rd biggest renewable energy capacity in the world Without stressing on our ambitions nationally determined contributions let me say that we will reach on our goals even earlier,” said Jaishankar.

Earlier in the day Jaishankar tweeted the details of his meeting with his Danish counterpart. “Good to meet FM of Denmark
@larsloekke today morning. Discussed our bilateral partnership which is growing from strength to strength. Also exchanged views on the state of the world. It calls for intensifying our cooperation,”  he tweeted.

The conclave comes against the backdrop of  Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik André Henrik Christian and Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth’s four-day stay in India, beginning Sunday.  It is the first visit to India from the Danish Royal family in two decades. The two are visiting India at the invitation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).