India’s Closing Statement at G20 Environment Ministers’ Meeting
Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav delivered a powerful closing statement at the G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa, on October 17, 2025. Highlighting India’s commitment to environmental stewardship, he emphasized the need for global unity to address pressing challenges like climate change and environmental degradation.
A Call for Cooperation, Collaboration, and Commitment
Shri Yadav underscored that global challenges require a collective approach rooted in cooperation, collaboration, and commitment. Quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he reminded the audience that humanity serves as “trustees” of the planet, not its owners. This perspective, he noted, drives India’s environmental policies, balancing development with sustainability.
Acknowledging South Africa’s Leadership
Expressing gratitude to the Republic of South Africa for hosting the G20 meeting, Shri Yadav praised their exemplary leadership in facilitating discussions on complex environmental issues. He highlighted the importance of such platforms in fostering global dialogue and action.
Drawing Inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi
Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, Shri Yadav emphasized the importance of accepting the truth about climate change and environmental degradation. “These are real challenges before us,” he stated, urging G20 nations to adopt pragmatic and inspiring solutions tailored to national circumstances while keeping future generations in mind.
India’s Leadership in Climate Action
Shri Yadav showcased India’s remarkable progress in climate adaptation and renewable energy. Notably, India achieved its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of over 50% non-fossil electric generation capacity in 2025, five years ahead of schedule. He highlighted the exponential growth in solar capacity, which surged from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 127 GW in 2025—a 45-fold increase in just 11 years. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he remarked, “It always seems impossible, until it’s done,” underscoring India’s determination to turn ambition into reality.
The G20’s Role in Supporting the Global South
With G20 nations representing over 80% of global GDP and population, Shri Yadav stressed their responsibility to address the developmental needs of the Global South. He advocated for pragmatic approaches that consider national capacities and responsibilities while inspiring collective action for a sustainable future.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
In his concluding remarks, Shri Yadav called on global leaders to draw inspiration from visionaries like Gandhi and Mandela. He urged unity, trust, and collective action to create a sustainable world that enhances the quality of life for all while safeguarding the planet for future generations.