In the meeting held in Nairobi, India presented its stand regarding the global treaty on plastic pollution. India said it is ready for constructive talks, but it is important to protect the right to development and take into account the circumstances of the countries.
According to an official social media post of the Indian Mission in Kenya, the country’s delegation at the informal Heads of Delegation (HODs) meeting in Nairobi was led by Adarsh Swaika, Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat. PR to UNEP @AdarshSwaika1 led the 🇮🇳 delegation at the Informal HODs meeting in Nairobi ahead of the next session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop the instrument on plastic pollution (INC 5.4). He underlined the following key principles on behalf of Indian… pic.twitter.com/APItpYqCO9 — India in Kenya (@IndiainKenya) June 30, 2026 This important meeting was held ahead of the upcoming session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.4), which is tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
India’s main guiding principles
Reiterating India’s constructive approach, SWICA outlined several key guiding principles on behalf of the Indian delegation to ensure a balanced outcome. India strongly said that decisions should be taken by consensus to ensure full collective ownership among member countries and the process should be completely member-driven.
On the scope of the proposed treaty, the Indian delegation highlighted that it should focus on plastic pollution strictly in line with United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution 5/14. India stressed avoiding any regulatory overlap with other international frameworks, particularly the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
protect the right to development
Addressing key developmental concerns, India strongly advocated that there should be no limits or regulation on primary polymer production to protect the fundamental right to development. Furthermore, delegations said implementation should be country-driven, taking into account national circumstances and guided by the Rio Principles, which include common but differentiated responsibilities.
Demand for funds for developing countries
Highlighting the challenges faced by developing countries, India said the provision of means of implementation is important, including the need for a dedicated multilateral fund. SWICA concluded that full negotiations require a fair, transparent and inclusive process that fully reflects national circumstances and capabilities. (ANI)
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