UN chief welcomes Indo-US commitment to join Paris agreement

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a three-day US visit at the invitation of Obama

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama reaffirming their commitment to join the Paris Climate agreement, saying he is encouraged by the resolve of India and the US to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the domestic steps being undertaken by both countries to join the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, including in 2016, and their collaborative efforts to address climate change," a statement issued by Ban's spokesman here said.

Ban commended the India-US joint statement on climate change announcing their support for early entry into force of the Paris Agreement.

The UN Chief said he is "further encouraged by the resolve of India and the United States to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies and successful outcomes this year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Montreal Protocol, the International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly, and the G20."

Modi is currently on a three-day US visit at the invitation of Obama.

Climate change was one of the major topics of discussion between the two leaders.

During the meeting at the White House, Obama and Modi reiterated their commitment to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies in the pre-2020 period and to develop long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies.

The joint announcement by India and the United States demonstrates the growing momentum towards the rapid entry into force and successful implementation of the Paris Agreement.

As of today, 177 Parties have signed, and 17 have ratified the climate agreement.

The Secretary-General called on all countries to accelerate their domestic processes to join or ratify the agreement to ensure its early entry into force.