Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Paris to attend global climate change meet

PARIS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here today to attend the crucial climate change conference at which a legally binding universal agreement to curb green house gas emissions among nations is expected to be achieved.

"Bonjour Paris! PM @narendramodi arrives in France to attend @COP21," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted as Modi arrived in the French capital.

Bonjour Paris! PM @narendramodi arrives in France to attend @COP21 #COP21 pic.twitter.com/hDCfRMlg0B

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 29, 2015

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Indian pavilion at the climate change summit tomorrow.

He will also jointly launch the India-mooted International Solar Alliance with French President Francois Hollande tomorrow.

Modi would join an estimated 150 Presidents, Prime Ministers and Heads of States at the crucial climate summit.

During his visit, Modi will also attend 'Mission Innovation' being hosted by US President Barack Obama.

Prior to his departure, the Prime Minister said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat': "The whole world is worried about climate change. There are discussions everywhere over it and concerns are being expressed...The temperature of the Earth should not increase now. It is the responsibility and concern of all."

His emphasis on the responsibility of all assumes significance as the developed world is trying to place greater onus on developing nations like India in the fight against climate change.

India has been maintaining that the developed countries have been the major polluters over centuries and should assume greater role in fighting global warming by funding and transferring low-cost technology to developing nations.

Joining a select group of countries, India said it will provide USD 2.5 million for the vulnerable nations in the Commonwealth to help them introduce clean energy and reduce green-house gas emissions.

The Paris climate change conference also known as Conference of Parties (CoP-21) is set to kick of tomorrow in Paris and will go on till December 11.

Paris climate conference will for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a legally binding universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.

The conference is expected to attract close to 50,000 participants including 25,000 official delegates from government, intergovernmental organisations, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society.