India is pressing three demands at the Pre-COP31 meetings in Nadi, Fiji, ahead of November’s UN climate summit in Turkiye. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav laid out the country’s position on October 6. Here is what India wants and why.

First, India wants equal focus on adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation. Mitigation means cutting emissions, while adaptation means coping with climate damage. Rich countries have historically focused on mitigation, while developing nations want help adapting to floods, heat and rising seas.

Second, India wants the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities upheld. This means countries that caused most historical emissions should carry more of the burden. Third, India wants stronger climate finance, with developed nations honouring funding promises.

India also offered Pacific nations its coastal resilience and space-based expertise, including ISRO’s work on coastal monitoring. The Pre-COP meeting was co-hosted by Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu. The full COP31 summit runs from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Turkiye.