On Monday, 15th February, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) met with the Indian Prime Minister to discuss UK-India cooperation on climate change agenda and upcoming COP26.
In his first visit to Asia as COP president, Mr Sharma welcomed India’s significant progress on climate action and clean energy transition. He highlighted PM Modi’s global leadership in setting up the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the latter of which the UK is proud to co-chair.
The Rt Hon. Alok Sharma MP, COP26 President-Designate said, “When it comes to climate action, India is a key partner and a global leader. Together we can make change happen - delivering real progress on reducing emissions and building global commitments. The UK and India are already a joint force for good against climate change, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership in the run up to COP26 and beyond.”
In his meetings with business, Mr Sharma is further expected to highlight the huge opportunities in the low carbon economy, celebrate existing commitments to achieve net zero emissions and encourage influential businesses to promote the growing movement of corporate climate action throughout their sector and supply chain. After a year of virtual meetings, the in-person visit signals a step-change in momentum to COP26 preparations, and reinforces Mr Sharma’s ambition to run an inclusive negotiating process that incorporates the views of all countries.
High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis CMG said, “Alok Sharma’s visit is the latest step in protecting our planet by making COP26 a success and will further develop the UK-India climate partnership on clean and resilient development. Hearing from the Indian government first hand, as well as civil society and business will be essential in informing the approach of the UK Presidency as we work towards a comprehensive, ambitious and balanced outcome at COP26.
