What does India’s international negotiating position on environment, as enshrined in UNFCCC, rely on?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Principles of historical responsibility
India’s international negotiating position relies heavily on principles of historical responsibility, as enshrined in UNFCCC: the developed countries are responsible for most historical and current greenhouse gas emissions.
Option (1) Principles of undifferentiated responsibility — Incorrect. India follows the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the opposite of undifferentiated responsibility.
Option (2) Principle of harm-outcome assessment — Incorrect. India’s position does not weigh the harm or outcome of emissions; it rests on who caused most of the emissions over a long period, the developed countries.
Option (3) Principles of difference and veiled equality — Incorrect. India does not ask for equality of any kind here; it asks that the major responsibility of curbing emissions rest with the developed countries.
NCERT (2025-26): “India’s Stand on Environmental Issues … India’s international negotiating position relies heavily on principles of historical responsibility, as enshrined in UNFCCC. This acknowledges that developed countries are responsible for most historical and current greenhouse gas emissions, and emphasizes that ‘economic and social development are the first and overriding priorities of the developing country parties…” |