India needs to take the lead on climate change action: Richard Verma

US ambassador to India says US will help it realise a low carbon and clean energy future

India needs to take the lead in spearheading the cause of climate change even as the US will help it realise a low carbon and clean energy future, US ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Monday.

"Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi understands the leadership role India needs to take. We are not in two camps anymore but should work as one single camp. I guess India will also do that. We will see what India will do (in the upcoming Paris talks)," Verma said, while addressing CII at Green - The Color of Growth: The Business Case for Climate Action.

He said US is particularly "interested in what India will do" because it is keen on becoming India's "best partner" as far as undertaking substantial measures on climate change are concerned.

"We know that India is working hard on its proposed nationally determined contribution and we very much look forward to seeing it when it is ready. We are not only ones interested. India's size, economic growth projections and already significant greenhouse gas emissions mean there is tremendous interest around the world regarding what India will do," he added.

Recently during a speech at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris, Modi had said that the entire public discourse on climate change should move from an argument on emission cuts to offering more "affordable solutions, not simply imposing choices". This was a clear indication regarding the stance India is likely to take during the Paris summit to be held in December.