Published: 17 November 2025PIBEnvironment
COP30 Belém Day 9: India's Position on NCQG, Article 9.1, Climate Finance Equity
On Day 9 of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, India — speaking on behalf of the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs) group — made a strong push for enhanced climate finance commitments from developed nations, particularly around Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement and the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.
India called for a structured 3-year work programme under Article 9.1, which obligates developed countries to mobilise climate finance for developing nations. This demand came as the NCQG negotiations were centring on a floor of $300 billion per year by 2035, with a broader goal of mobilising $1.3 trillion annually from all sources.
India's position emphasised that climate finance must reflect historical responsibility and the principle of climate equity — developed nations, which have contributed the most to cumulative greenhouse gas emissions, must bear a proportionate financial burden. India argued that the $300 billion NCQG floor was insufficient relative to the actual adaptation and mitigation needs of the Global South.
The IISD (International Institute for Sustainable Development) reporting from Belém noted that the LMDCs (including India, China, Bolivia, Cuba, and others) consistently linked climate finance to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). India stressed that any NCQG outcome must include grant-based and concessional finance rather than loans that add to developing nations' debt.
The climate equity debate at COP30 has become a defining axis: whether the new goal represents real new money from public sources or simply repackages existing commitments and private sector flows.
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate India's position at COP30 on the New Collective Quantified Goal and Article 9.1, highlighting its demands for climate finance equity from developed nations.
Answer (50 words):
At COP30 in Belem, India, representing the Like-Minded Developing Countries group, demanded a structured three-year Article 9.1 work programme obligating developed nations to mobilise climate finance. India called the $300 billion NCQG floor insufficient, advocating $1.3 trillion annually through grant-based concessional finance anchored in common but differentiated responsibilities and historical emission accountability.
6-axis classification
CoverageInternationalSubjectEconomicExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB
Frequently asked questions
What is Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement and why did India invoke it at COP30?
Article 9.1 obligates developed countries to provide climate finance to developing nations. India invoked it to demand a structured 3-year work programme ensuring developed countries fulfil this legally binding commitment at COP30 Belém.
What is the NCQG and what were the key figures under negotiation at COP30?
NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal) is the post-2025 climate finance target replacing $100B/yr. At COP30, negotiations focused on a $300B/year floor by 2035 with a broader $1.3 trillion goal from all sources.
What is the CBDR principle and how did India apply it at COP30?
CBDR (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities) holds that while all nations share climate responsibility, developed nations bear greater obligations due to historical emissions. India used it to demand that the NCQG be funded by developed countries through grants, not loans.
Why did India reject loans as a valid form of climate finance?
India argued that loans add to the debt burden of developing nations and do not represent genuine climate finance. Any NCQG outcome must prioritise grant-based and concessional finance to support real adaptation and mitigation.
What is the LMDC bloc at UNFCCC negotiations?
LMDCs (Like-Minded Developing Countries) is a negotiating bloc that includes India, China, Bolivia, Cuba, and others. They collectively push for climate equity, historical responsibility of developed nations, and adequate public finance for the Global South.
