New Delhi: “India will always be part of the solution, not the problem,” said Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday, as he laid out India’s approach to climate change, pollution, and environmental governance at the What India Thinks Today (WITT) 2025 Global Summit organised by TV9 Network in New Delhi.
Yadav said that while the country remains committed to global cooperation, it also expects fairness and accountability from developed nations that have historically contributed the most to carbon emissions.“Climate change is not just an issue of air and water pollution. The more carbon emissions we generate, the more the Earth’s temperature rises. Developed nations have occupied a significant share of the global carbon space over the decades due to their rapid industrial growth. It is now their responsibility to provide financial support and facilitate technology transfer to developing countries,” he said.
‘We raise the voice of the Global South’
In a year when international climate diplomacy is again under the spotlight—particularly with the return of former Us President Donald Trump to the political arena, the minister acknowledged the growing uncertainty over multilateral climate efforts. “Different countries have different approaches, and yes, there are challenges. But India remains firm in its stand. In every global negotiation, we raise the voice of the Global South. We don’t just participate—we help lead the way forward,” Yadav said.
On local issues, Yadav highlighted the BJP’s recent electoral win in Delhi and attributed part of that success to the party’s focus on pollution and governance. “Whether it’s air pollution or the cleaning of the Yamuna, people are demanding accountability and results—not just slogans,” he said.
He accused the previous AAP-led Delhi government of prioritising publicity over performance. “The last government lost not just due to anti-incumbency, but because it spent more time on advertisements than on the ground. The current BJP-led administration is focused on serious work.”
‘Delhi’s air is getting better’
Yadav pointed to data that suggests air quality in Delhi has seen gradual improvement. “In the last four years, the number of days in the ‘most poor’ air quality category has come down. That’s not a coincidence—it’s a result of sustained work under the National Air Quality Mission.” He credited Delhi BJP leader Rekha Gupta for her “honest and determined” leadership on environmental issues and said that the city now stood to benefit from a “double-engine government.”
On Rana Sanga controversy
Bhupendra Yadav criticised the Samajwadi Party MP’s remarks on Rana Sanga, calling them incorrect. He praised Rana Sanga’s bravery, noting he fought over a hundred battles, and condemned the Congress for staying silent on the issue. Yadav said only those with proper knowledge and authority should comment on historical matters.
