Lok Sabha Speaker Advocates Fair Climate Policies at BRICS Forum

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stressed that climate change measures should not justify arbitrary trade restrictions at the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Russia. Highlighting India’s sustainable development efforts, he emphasized the importance of addressing climate issues equitably and called for reforms in global bodies to reflect current realities.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday emphasized that measures to combat climate change should not be used to justify arbitrary trade restrictions.

Addressing the plenary session at the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Russia, Birla cautioned that unilateral measures justified as environmental actions were impacting trade, violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and undermining international laws. He noted that sustainable development includes environmental protection and highlighted the importance of achieving this goal equitably, given the varied economic development levels of different countries.

Birla, leading an Indian parliamentary delegation, reiterated India's commitment to environmental sustainability, noting the country's significant strides in reducing emissions intensity, increasing non-fossil fuel power capacity, and creating additional carbon sinks. He asserted that climate-related issues should be addressed within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Additionally, Birla called for reforms in global bodies to better reflect contemporary realities, suggesting that the BRICS expansion offers a unique opportunity for such changes.

(With inputs from agencies.)