Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said India provided leadership not just to protect interests of developing and less developed countries, but to balance the deep concerns of future generations. (Press Trust of India file photo)
India was the cynosure of all eyes at the
Conference of Parties (COP21) climate summit in Paris and ultimately lived up to the expectations, Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal today said.
"India provided leadership not just to protect interests of developing and less developed countries, but to balance the deep concerns of future generations with climate justice, equity and fairness for all," the Ministry of Power said in a statement, quoting Mr Goyal.
Mr Goyal was speaking at the World Leadership Dialogue in Pune.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the landmark climate change deal reached in Paris as the victory of "climate justice" and said there are no winners or losers in the outcome.
The world, Mr Goyal said, saw "true leadership" after 196 countries tackled the most difficult problem facing our planet - climate change and global warming - and converge with a historic agreement, and path forward for humanity.
"1,600 points of dissent reduced to 0 in 10 days," he said, in an apparent reference to different ideas and viewpoints that floated around.
In a tweet, the minister said: "Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the historic #ParisAgreement to fight climate change, which fully safeguards India's interests."
The historic agreement was reached after tough deliberations among participating countries.