'Net-Zero' Pledge Not An Absolute Requirement For India, Says US Special Envoy John Kerry

Putting an end to the speculation that United States is going to pressure India to make a "net-zero" pledge, US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry after meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Thursday (9 April) said that the pledge was not an absolute requirement for India, and that the country is doing everything needed to get there, reports Times of India.

Emphasising that to ask India to make a "net-zero" pledge was not his message to PM Modi, Kerry said, "He understands the challenge. It would be great if India wanted to say that but I don't think it's an absolute requirement."

Kerry also acknowledged India's ambitious plan to take its installed renewable energy capacity to 450 GW by 2030 and said that if the goal is achieved, India would be one of the few nations helping "keep 1.5 degrees alive".

Responding to a query about his remarks that he was putting together a consortium to finance India's renewable energy ambitions, Kerry said that there are a lot of countries that would be willing to invest in India's green energy ambitions if there are right investment conditions. He added that the US intends to work very closely with India, focusing on technology and financing.

Adding that United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the nations with which India is already working and which is interested in doing more, Kerry said that he has also talked to other countries who are prepared to come forward.