CP Radhakrishnan addresses the Bharat Climate Forum 2026 and emphasizes inclusive growth.

New Delhi, January 9, 2026: The Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, on Friday delivered the inaugural address at the Bharat Climate Forum 2026 in New Delhi, underscoring that climate action should be viewed not as a limitation on India’s development, but as a strategic opportunity to accelerate inclusive growth, enhance energy security, and build a future-ready economy.

Commending the Council for International Economic Understanding for establishing the Forum as a national platform for meaningful dialogue and action, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan said that India’s engagement with climate and sustainability is deeply rooted in its civilizational ethos.

CP Radhakrishnan emphasized the harmony between humans and nature:

He noted that long before sustainability became a global concern, Indian traditions emphasized harmony between humans and nature through water conservation systems, sustainable agricultural systems, sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity protection, and ethical principles such as Prakriti and Aprigraha.

Reflecting on India’s development trajectory over the past decade, CP Radhakrishnan said the country has consistently sought to balance economic growth with social equity and present needs with responsibility towards future generations.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, India has fundamentally reshaped the way a developing nation approaches climate responsibility.

Referring to India’s Panchamrit commitments announced at COP-26, the Vice President said these pledges provide a clear roadmap towards a low-carbon future, including the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, while firmly safeguarding India’s development priorities.

Highlighting the importance of clean-technology manufacturing, he asserted that a developed India cannot be built solely on imported technologies or fragile global supply chains.

Instead, it must be anchored in homegrown clean technologies, resilient manufacturing ecosystems, and a future-ready workforce.

India, he said, is rapidly emerging as a global manufacturing hub in sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage, green hydrogen, electric mobility, sustainable materials, climate-smart agriculture, and digital climate solutions, transforming Make in India into Make in India for the world.

He noted that Indian companies are making significant investments in solar module manufacturing, battery production, electric vehicle components, electrolyzers, and green fuels, while start-ups are spearheading innovation in climate data analytics, energy efficiency, and waste management solutions.

On global cooperation, the Vice President stressed that climate change is a shared global challenge requiring collective action.

CP Radhakrishnan advocated self-dependency:

CP Radhakrishnan said India’s approach to international partnerships is based on collaboration without dependence.

As a founding force behind the International Solar Alliance, India has mobilized countries of the Global South around affordable and scalable solar energy solutions.

Similarly, India’s leadership of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure reflects a proactive effort to strengthen infrastructure systems against climate-induced risks and protect long-term development gains.

The event was attended by Chairman, Bharat Climate Forum and former Rajya Sabha MP N. K. Singh; Convenor, Bharat Climate Forum and former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi; Co-Chair, Bharat Climate Forum Sumant Sinha; and President, Bharat Climate Forum Dr. Ashwani Mahajan, along with policymakers, industry leaders, academics, experts, and stakeholders from India and abroad.

Also Read: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan inaugurates the 9th Siddha Day celebrations in Chennai.

EOM.