India must lead the fight against climate change: Modi

Odisha Channel Bureau New Delhi, Feb 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the present global environment represents a rare opportunity, when the world is keen to embrace India, and India is moving forward with confidence.Addressing Heads of Indian Missions from across the world here, Modi urged them to use this unique opportunity to help India position itself in a leading role, rather than just a balancing force, globally.Urging them to shed old mindsets, the Prime Minister said they should be quick to adapt to changing global situations.Emphasising the role of “Heads of Missions” in projecting India to the world, Modi described them as “shining vibrant representatives” of India’s glorious heritage.He urged them to work ceaselessly and with a clear mind, on India`s development priorities, and to advance India`s interests abroad.Speaking of conflicts in the twenty-first century, the Prime Minister said there were new “actors” and new “threats” to global peace and prosperity, and added that India, which always stood for “Vishva-Bandhutva” and peace – the brotherhood of the world – had a great responsibility in helping the world counter these challenges to peace.On the challenge of climate change, Modi said that protecting the environment is part of India’s cultural heritage, and therefore, India must take the lead in countering this challenge, and also work towards a change in global attitudes towards the challenges of climate change.