India formally ratified the Paris climate deal on Sunday. (Photo: Syed Akbaruddin at United Nations)
The White House has applauded India's ratification of the Paris Agreement, saying the move would bring the two countries closer than ever to achieve climate change goals.
"After the United States joined in September, India's joining represents the fulfillment of that shared objective and a significant step towards the Paris Agreement entering into force this year," Ned Price, spokesman for the White House's National Security Council told PTI yesterday, a day after India ratified the climate deal.
"Full implementation of this agreement will help delay or avoid some of the worst consequences of climate change, and pave the way for more progress in the coming years. We applaud India's action in moving us ever closer to achieving this goal," Mr Price said.
"In June of this year, during his visit to Washington, Prime Minister Modi and President Obama discussed their shared vision for a rapid entry into force of the Paris Agreement this year," he added.
Last December, more than 190 countries adopted the Paris Agreement. At least 55 countries representing minimum 55 percent of global emissions need to formally join the agreement before it comes into force.
The State Department too lauded India and described the step as "fantastic news."
"We welcome this. This is fantastic news. India, like many countries, has been working to complete its domestic process as quickly as possible. We are very encouraged," the State Department Spokesperson, Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters yesterday.