India Urges 15-Fold Increase In Adaptation Finance As COP30 Opens In Belém

New Delhi: India called for a dramatic increase in global adaptation finance, stressing that current funding levels fall far short of what is needed for vulnerable nations to cope with the worsening impacts of climate change. Speaking on behalf of the BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) and Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) blocs, India urged developed nations to step up their commitments as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) opened in Belém, Brazil, on Monday.
Representing two of the most influential negotiating groups, India pressed for a universally accepted definition of climate finance and demanded stronger implementation of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which obligates developed nations to provide financial assistance to developing countries. “Adaptation is a survival issue for billions who contributed least to global warming,” India’s statement said, adding that adaptation funding must rise nearly 15 times to meet the growing needs of developing economies.
The Indian delegation underscored that developed countries have fallen behind on their promise to double adaptation finance by 2025. It emphasised that public finance should form the backbone of climate action and warned against overreliance on private sector investments that could leave poorer nations behind.
Reaffirming the principles of equity and “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” (CBDR-RC), India said that the Paris Agreement’s framework must remain intact. It cautioned against unilateral climate-related trade measures that could serve as disguised protectionism and hinder genuine global cooperation.
India also called for ambitious outcomes on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), supporting the UAE–Belém Work Programme and the Baku Adaptation Roadmap to ensure that climate transitions are fair and inclusive.
Over 195 countries are participating in the two-week summit, which marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement. The conference comes at a critical time as the world grapples with record temperatures, geopolitical tensions, and uneven progress toward emission reduction targets. UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell noted during the opening session that for the first time, global emissions are projected to decline by 12 percent by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, signaling early signs of progress but urging faster action to protect the planet.