India, China to formally back Copenhagen Accord

NEW DELHI: India and China have decided to formally back the Copenhagen Accord worked out at the climate summit in December. While neither India nor China have said that they would ‘associate’ with the accord, both countries have agreed to have their names listed in the preamble. The move would come as boost to the accord. With this the four BASIC countries — Brazil, South Africa, Indian and China — which were key players in formulating the accord have agreed to be listed in the chapeau.

Informing Parliament about India’s decision, environment minister Jairam Ramesh said, “after careful consideration, India has agreed to such a listing.” India has set out three conditions for it assent, which it has asked be indicated “in an appropriate footnote.”

India made its decision known to UNFCCC in a letter dated March 8, which is in response to the convention’s executive secretary Yvo de Boer’s letter of February 3, regarding listing in the chapeau of the Copenhagen Accord.

Meanwhile, in an official letter signed by Chinese climate negotiator Su Wei, China informed the UNFCCC it could "proceed to include China in the list" of countries supporting the deal reached at the Copenhagen summit in December.

Elaborating on India’s decision, Mr Ramesh told the Lok Sabha that “listing in the chapeau of the accord implies that we participated in the negotiations on the Copenhagen Accord and that we stand by the accord. We believe that our decision to be listed reflects the role India played in giving shape to the Copenhagen Accord. This will strengthen our negotiating position on climate change.” The minister also explained that India’s decision comes with three conditions, which have been communicated to the UNFCCC.

New Delhi has made it clear that the accord is a ‘political document’ and ‘is not legally binding.’ Mr Ramesh stressed that the Accord “is not a template for outcomes.” India has made it clear that the Accord, “is not a separate, third track of negotiations outside UNFCCC.” Third, that the ‘purpose’ of the accord is to “bring about a consensus in the existing and on-going, two-track multilateral negotiations process under UNFCCC.” In its letter, New Delhi informed UNFCCC, “with the above understanding, India may be listed in the chapeau of the Copenhagen Accord with the understanding indicated in an appropriate footnote.”

Ministry officials said the decision came after Brazil, South Africa and China also associated themselves with the deal. Brazil and South Africa, informed UNFCCC of their decision to be listed in the preamble in early February.