India highlights role of NGT, independent judiciary in tackling climate change at UN

India has reiterated its commitment to tackling climate change through climate justice, equity and sustainable development, highlighting the role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), constitutional safeguards and an independent judiciary in strengthening environmental protection at the United Nations General Assembly.

Delivering India’s statement before the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Barkha Tamrakar, Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, addressed a report by the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers titled “An urgent and existential threat: the role of justice systems in addressing the climate crisis.”

Tamrakar emphasised that climate change is a serious global challenge with far-reaching consequences for development, livelihoods and human rights. She said India’s approach is guided by the principles of equity, climate justice and sustainable development.

NGT and judiciary central to environmental protection

Highlighting India’s institutional framework, Tamrakar said environmental protection is supported by the Constitution, comprehensive environmental legislation, the National Green Tribunal and an independent judiciary.

The NGT plays a specialised role in addressing environmental disputes and enforcing relevant environmental laws. Its work forms part of India’s broader legal framework for tackling pollution, protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable development.

An independent judiciary is also important for ensuring that environmental laws are implemented fairly, public authorities remain accountable and environmental concerns receive appropriate legal consideration.

Climate justice and equitable responsibility

India also underlined the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), which recognises that countries have shared responsibilities in addressing climate change but differ in their historical contributions and capacities to respond.

The principle remains central to international climate negotiations, particularly for developing countries seeking to balance environmental protection with economic growth, poverty reduction and access to essential resources.

India’s position places climate action within a broader development framework, emphasising the need for solutions that are equitable, practical and sensitive to the needs of vulnerable populations.

Focus on judicial independence and training

During her address, Tamrakar also highlighted measures aimed at maintaining judicial standards and strengthening impartiality in India.

She referred to transparent, institutionally supervised judicial training, including programmes conducted through the National Judicial Academy. Such initiatives are intended to support professional judicial standards while preserving judicial independence.

The emphasis on judicial independence comes amid growing international recognition of the role courts and specialised tribunals can play in resolving environmental disputes and ensuring that climate-related commitments translate into effective action.

India-UN Development Partnership Fund supports sustainable development

Separately, representatives of partner countries and delegates from the Global South highlighted India’s support for sustainable socio-economic development during the ninth annual India-UN Development Partnership Fund event at the UN General Assembly.

Established in 2017, the $150-million fund supports development projects led by partner countries and implemented in collaboration with the United Nations system. Its focus includes least developed countries and small island developing states, which often face significant environmental and climate-related vulnerabilities.

Balancing climate action and development

India’s statement at the UN highlights the importance of combining environmental legislation, effective institutions and judicial independence in responding to the climate crisis.

As climate change increasingly affects livelihoods, ecosystems and economic development, legal systems are expected to play an important role in enforcing environmental protections and safeguarding the interests of vulnerable communities.

By highlighting the NGT and the independent judiciary, India has emphasised the role of domestic institutions in supporting climate justice and sustainable development, while reiterating the need for international cooperation and equitable climate action.