Climate change is a shared problem, government says on Nepal minister’s request for compensation

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. File | Photo credit: PTI

Climate change is a “shared challenge” and developed countries, which are “historically” the biggest emitters, must lead the process of finding a solution to the crisis, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday (4 September 2026).

The remarks were in response to Nepal’s foreign minister, Shisir Khanal, who said that as the three biggest producers of greenhouse gases, the US, China and India should be held responsible for climate change, and asked the three countries for compensation after a flash flood in Nepal last month.

“India has consistently held that climate change is a shared challenge and action in this regard must be based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Developed countries, which are historically responsible for emissions and have contributed greatly to this current crisis, must take the lead in reducing emissions and supporting developing countries through finance and technology transfer to meet this challenge,” Mr Jaiswal said in response to a question.

India has sent several shipments of humanitarian aid to Nepal, including a large team of tunnel rescue specialists, since the August 26 disaster. Mr. Jaiswal described India as a “friend and partner” that will continue to provide assistance as Nepal deals with the aftermath of the crisis. He also noted that Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah thanked India in the Nepali Parliament for the assistance provided to Kathmandu.

On September 2, Mr Khanal referred to Nepal’s diplomatic approach ahead of the annual session of the UN General Assembly starting in New York later this month, saying his country saw the crisis through the lens of “justice and compensation” rather than “aid”.

“Major industrial emitters – such as China, which is the world’s largest emitter, the United States in second place and India in third place – have a historical responsibility to compensate vulnerable countries like Nepal,” he said. He subsequently denied asking the US, China and India for compensation and expressed “deep gratitude” for the assistance India has been providing to Nepal.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 22:42 IST