Thread by @tjayaraman

EXTRAORDINARY PUSHBACK BY INDIA ON COP26 PRESSURE TACTICS -- PM Modi refers to attempts to hijack the climate agenda by the "colonial mindset". @bforboseman @nit_set @n_thanki @chilledasad100 @JMauskar @KevinClimate @doreenstabinsky @TheBTI @vijramachandran @3rdworldnetwork

See video available at (regrettably only in Hindi without translation) - from 1:09:00 to 1:16:00 -significant even for the length of the intervention on the importance of development for India.

The speech notes that the developed world has emitted about 15 times more than India in absolute and per capita cumulative emissions (from 1850 till today). Also notes that US + EU have emitted 11 times more in absolute cumulative and 20 more in per capita cumulative emissions.

Details India's numerous mitigation actions and leading role in deploying renewable energy. Refers to India (rightly) as the leading country among G20 in policies and actions that are compatible to Paris Agreement targets.

"And yet, in the name of the environment, various pressures are created on India. All this is the result of colonial mentality." A powerful echo of other LMDC friends, led by Bolivia, who speaking for the group at #COP26, referred to "carbon colonialism."

Extraordinary plain-speak in the history of international climate politics. A mark of how strongly India feels on the pressure tactics such as those resorted to at #COP26. And delivered on Constitution Day, a highly significant occasion.

When India uses this language at the highest level, the C word never before used in this context, developed countries must see that they have crossed a critical red line of mutual trust and good faith at the #COP26 closing.

Clear message that targeting of this kind will not be taken lightly, after India delivered reassurance and more than its fair share in good faith at the very outset of #COP26, from the highest levels.

A serious breach of faith also by the UK Presidency, after India bolstered the relevance of #COP26 by the PM's personal presence and message, despite the non-show of other leaders. Assuring the Presidency of India's support to its efforts.

PM Modi's sharp message to the developed countries on this issue will strike a chord across the political spectrum in this country and will draw widespread concurrence.

@UNSG @AGNChairUNFCCC @UNFCCC @USAndIndia @EUClimate #climatejustice @byadavbjp @samirsaran @suhasinih @vrsrini @nramind

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