India asks developed nations to be flexible, deadline extended

India today hit back at developed countries that have been accusing it of refusing to yield ground on emissions and funding, saying they were not showing flexibility and posing roadblocks for a comprehensive climate deal, deadline for which was extended by a day.
Mounting hectic last-minute efforts, US Secretary of State John Kerry met Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in the third interaction in as many days.
Javadekar said the success of Paris agreement will depend on the spirit of accommodation and flexibility shown by developed countries.
"India and many developing countries are trying hard that 700 crore people, especially the poor, get a good and global agreement so that they are assured that earth remains a livable place and for that developed countries should cut down their emissions," Javadekar said.

"But the way the developed countries have taken the stance today and not showing flexibility...That is why hurdles are coming. The success of Paris will now depend on spirit of accommodation and flexibility of developed nations," he said.
"One sided effort by developing countries will not make it (reaching an agreement) successful. Developed countries need to come forward as well. It has to be 50-50," he added.

Asked about India's reaction to the second draft that was released yesterday, Javadekar said that the key issues flagged by India have found a place in the text and now the real issues of flexibility and differentiation remain which need to be sorted out.

"India wants that developed countries should take more targets, leave path for developing countries and show flexibility towards developing nations. This is our main issue. The main issues for now are flexibility and differentiation which the developed countries need to understand," the Minister said.
India has stuck to its demand that developed countries like the US should shoulder more of the cost that countries face in adapting to the effects of climate change.
Meanwhile, China was resisting calls, led by the US and the European Union, for all nations to review and update their national plans for curbing greenhouse gas emissions every five years and had also reasserted demands that developed nations do far more to curb greenhouse gas emissions, sources said.

Diplomats from 195 countries attending the Conference of Parties (CoP) are grappling with how to resolve differences over crucial issues, which are very dear to the developing nations but could not reach a deal before the self-imposed deadline of tonight.