Narendra Modi’s Cop26 promise has proved divisive but many observers say only western help can ensure its success
It was the headline-grabbing announcement of the first day of Cop26: India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, pledging his country would go net zero by 2070.
The declaration proved divisive. Some in the British press were scathing, describing it as a disappointment, as it was several decades behind the 2050 commitments made by the west, and 10 years behind China’s 2060 target. But many observers celebrated, calling it highly ambitious for a developing country of 1.4 billion people – which is still yet to emit the majority of its emissions – to commit to net zero at all. Others were dismissive that a target 50 years in the future would have any impact on action and policy in India today, when it mattered most.
