Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to attend the crucial climate change conference.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Sunday to attend the crucial climate change conference at which a legally binding universal agreement between nations to curb green house gas emissions is expected to be achieved.
"Bonjour Paris! PM @narendramodi arrives in France to attend @COP21," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted as PM Modi arrived in the French capital.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Indian pavilion at the climate change summit today.
He will also jointly launch the India-mooted International Solar Alliance with French President Francois Hollande today.
A large number of Heads of State, Heads of Government and Ministers of several countries along with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon are expected to be present at the launch of the International Solar Alliance, a concept conceived by PM Modi.
PM Modi would join an estimated 150 Presidents, Prime Ministers and Heads of States at the crucial climate summit.
During his visit, PM 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 2A°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.