India Urges ICJ to Avoid New Climate Obligations

India has called on the International Court of Justice to uphold the current UN climate framework, sparking tensions with small island states advocating for stricter measures.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

India expressed its opposition to any new international climate obligations during a session at The Hague this Thursday. This statement comes as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) conducts a global consultation to issue climate-related guidelines at the request of the United Nations.

India’s representative, Luther Rangreji, emphasized the importance of preserving the balance achieved by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). According to him, this framework enjoys near-universal acceptance and reflects the differing needs of industrialized and developing nations.

Opposition to New Climate Constraints

In his address, Rangreji highlighted India’s ambitious commitments, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. This timeline extends two decades beyond the targets set by many Western nations. As a country hosting one-sixth of the global population, India stressed the dual necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while eradicating poverty.

However, India voiced dissatisfaction with what it perceives as the failure of developed countries to fulfill their commitments. These commitments include climate financing and the provision of low-carbon technologies.

Tensions with Vulnerable Small States

India’s stance has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from small island states. These nations, acutely vulnerable to climate change impacts, are pushing for stronger legal and policy measures. France, participating in the hearings, expressed its support for these calls and underscored its expectations for the ongoing process.

The ICJ discussions revealed a divide between major economic powers like the United States and China and the most vulnerable countries. These two leading greenhouse gas emitters, like India, have urged the Court to confine its recommendations to the existing legal framework.

A Non-Binding Advisory Opinion

Although non-binding, the ICJ’s advisory opinion could influence future climate negotiations and heighten pressure on states. However, its impact will largely depend on how these recommendations are interpreted by national courts and international institutions.

The proceedings at The Hague reflect the urgency and complexity of climate debates, where economic interests, climate justice, and adherence to international commitments intersect.

Re-elected president Irfaan Ali announces stricter production-sharing agreements to increase national economic returns.
Coal India issues tenders to develop 5 GW of renewable capacity, split between solar and wind, as part of its long-term energy strategy.
US utilities anticipate a rapid increase in high-intensity loads, targeting 147 GW of new capacity by 2035, with a strategic shift toward deregulated markets.
France opens a national consultation on RTE’s plan to invest €100 billion by 2040 to modernise the high-voltage electricity transmission grid.
Governor Gavin Newsom orders state agencies to fast-track clean energy projects to capture Inflation Reduction Act credits before deadlines expire.
Germany’s energy transition could cost up to €5.4tn ($6.3tn) by 2049, according to the main industry organisation, raising concerns over national competitiveness.
Facing blackouts imposed by the authorities, small businesses in Iran record mounting losses amid drought, fuel shortages and pressure on the national power grid.
Russian group T Plus plans to stabilise its electricity output at 57.6 TWh in 2025, despite a decline recorded in the first half of the year, according to Chief Executive Officer Pavel Snikkars.
In France, the Commission de régulation de l’énergie issues a clarification on ten statements shared over the summer, correcting several figures regarding tariffs, production and investments in the electricity sector.
A group of 85 researchers challenges the scientific validity of the climate report released by the US Department of Energy, citing partial methods and the absence of independent peer review.
Five energy infrastructure projects have been added to the list of cross-border renewable projects, making them eligible for financial support under the CEF Energy programme.
The Tanzanian government launches a national consultation to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas, mobilising public and private financing to secure energy supply and lower fuel costs.
The Kuwaiti government has invited three international consortia to submit bids for the first phase of the Al Khairan project, combining power generation and desalination.
Nigeria’s state-owned oil company abandons plans to sell the Port Harcourt refinery and confirms a maintenance programme despite high operating costs.
The publication of the Multiannual Energy Programme decree, awaited for two years, is compromised by internal political tensions, jeopardising strategic investments in nuclear and renewables.
The US Energy Information Administration reschedules or cancels several publications, affecting the availability of critical data for oil, gas and renewables markets.
Brazilian authorities have launched a large-scale operation targeting a money laundering system linked to the fuel sector, involving investment funds, fintechs, and more than 1,000 service stations across the country.
A national study by the Davies Group reveals widespread American support for the simultaneous development of both renewable and fossil energy sources, with strong approval for natural gas and solar energy.
The South Korean government compels ten petrochemical groups to cut up to 3.7 million tons of naphtha cracking per year, tying financial and tax support to swift and documented restructuring measures.
The U.S. Department of Energy has extended until November the emergency measures aimed at ensuring the stability of Puerto Rico’s power grid against overload risks and recurring outages.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.