India, China to combat climate change

BEIJING: Recognising the challenge posed by climate change, India and China on Monday decided to enhance bilateral technological cooperation to address the issue.

After talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao here, the two countries also agreed to join the international community in efforts to combat the problem.

"The two sides recognise the challenge that humankind faces from climate change," said a joint declaration 'Shared Vision for the 21st Century' released after the talks between the leaders of the two most populous countries of the world.

Emphasising that they regard the issue of climate change seriously, the declaration said "the two sides stand ready to enhance technological cooperation" to address it.

The two countries welcomed the outcome of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting in Bali last month and expressed readiness to work closely during the negotiation process laid out there.

China and India are seen as major contributors of greenhouse gases and are being asked to cut emissions. Both countries have, however, maintained that the developed nations had greater responsibility in reducing emissions.