India’s delegation participate in the Informal Heads of Delegation (HODs) meeting in Nairobi ahead of the INC 5.4 on negotiation of plastic pollution (Photo: ANI)

India pushes for consensus, development rights at Nairobi Informal HODs meeting

30 Jun 2026, 10:15 by KalingaTV Bureau · KalingaTV

Nairobi : India has conveyed its readiness to engage constructively towards a balanced and effective global instrument on plastic pollution. At the same time, India strongly emphasised the need to safeguard the right to development.

According to an official social media post by India’s mission in Kenya, the nation’s delegation to the Informal Heads of Delegation (HODs) meeting in Nairobi was led by Adarsh Swaika. He is the Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat.

The crucial meeting was held ahead of the upcoming session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.4). This committee is tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

While reiterating India’s constructive approach, Swaika underlined several key guiding principles on behalf of the Indian delegation. These principles aim to ensure a balanced outcome.

India firmly maintained that decisions must be taken by consensus to ensure complete collective ownership among member states. In addition, the process itself must remain entirely member-driven.

On the scope of the proposed treaty, the Indian delegation highlighted that it must focus strictly on plastic pollution. This is in line with the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14.

India emphasised avoiding any regulatory overlap with other international frameworks. In particular, this includes the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Addressing key developmental concerns, India strongly advocated that there should be no capping or regulation of primary polymer production. This is necessary in order to safeguard the fundamental right to development.

Furthermore, the delegation stated that implementation must be country-driven and take into account national circumstances. It must also be guided by the Rio Principles, including the concept of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Highlighting the challenges faced by developing nations, India noted that the provision of Means of Implementation is critical. This includes the necessity of a dedicated multilateral fund.

Swaika concluded that the entire negotiation requires a fair, transparent and inclusive process. This process must be fully reflective of national circumstances and capabilities.

(ANI)

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