India and Bhutan have pledged to collaborate on various environmental and climate change issues. This agreement was made during a meeting on Friday between a Bhutanese delegation, led by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Gem Tshering, and India’s Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh. The countries will focus on air quality, forest and wildlife management, and capacity building, with New Delhi suggesting the establishment of joint working group meetings.
High-Level Discussions on Key Environmental Issues
The discussions covered critical areas such as air quality, climate change, forests, natural resources, wildlife, and renewable energy. Minister Singh expressed gratitude to the Bhutanese minister for joining the International Big Cat Alliance, a global initiative by India aimed at protecting and conserving the seven big cat species worldwide.
Shared Geography and Values
Minister Singh highlighted the shared geography, ecosystem, and democratic values between India and Bhutan. He emphasized that climate change is a mutual concern, necessitating collaborative efforts for sustainable solutions.
Bhutan’s Environmental Achievements
Minister Tshering shared insights into Bhutan’s environmental successes, including hosting the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscape Conference in Paro in April 2024. He proudly mentioned that Bhutan is already a carbon-negative country, with a significant portion of its energy derived from hydropower.
The meeting underscored the importance of regional cooperation in tackling environmental and climate challenges. The proposed joint working group meetings will facilitate continued dialogue and joint action, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
