India Denounces Discriminatory Climate Trade Measures at COP29

India criticized unilateral trade measures at COP29, labeling them discriminatory and harmful to multilateralism. These actions contravene UN climate principles, impede developing nations' growth, and lack adherence to equity and CBDR-RC. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism was notably contentious, inciting debate over its fairness and economic impact.

India has strongly criticized unilateral trade measures carried out in the guise of climate action, declaring them as discriminatory and harmful to multilateral cooperation. This criticism was voiced during the presidential consultations on 'unilateral measures' at COP29, taking place in Baku.

The intervention by India at the United Nations climate summit highlighted the potential global repercussions of these measures, particularly on developing countries. India emphasized that the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is not addressing the issue adequately, a sentiment echoed by the G77 and Like-Minded Developing Countries.

Developed countries, led by the European Union, maintain that the matter should be settled by the World Trade Organization. However, India contends that such measures unfairly transfer transitional costs to developing nations, undermining their economic growth and historical climate finance commitments.

(With inputs from agencies.)