Marking a shift from its earlier position of staying within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Changes, India now appears ready to collaborate with various countries on climate change. On top of the list are the US, China and Japan.

In a bid to present itself as a leader on climate change issues in the SAARC region, India is set to sign a treaty on environment with SAARC countries, the draft text of which is ready, The Indian Express has learnt.

India has also discussed the possibility of a bilateral co-operation with Japan on thermal technology which cuts down on greenhouse gases.

Minister of Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh met Japanese Environment Minister Sakihito Ozawa on Monday on the issue.

SAARC Environment Ministers are at present in New Delhi. On Tuesday, the SAARC delegates are expected to release a joint environmental statement.

Ministry officials said the cooperation will chiefly be in the regions of forestry, biodiversity and wildlife and coastal management. Ramesh, speaking to The Indian Express, indicated that India needed to look beyond the Kyoto Protocol. “India has multiple messages to give on climate change, and India cannot be Doctor No,” he said. “We are engaging with China, Japan and the US on climate change.”

This includes, he said, “being open to the discussion of a bilateral with Japan on climate change technologies.” The focus is on reducing greenhouse gases through better coal-based thermal power technologies. “We are discussing with Japan coal-based power generation with less greenhouse gases. Japan is helping us with that.”

... contd.