India's top government official, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, reiterated the nation's reliance on coal as a crucial energy source, emphasizing its commitment to the fossil fuel as the U.N.'s COP28 climate summit commences in Dubai.

Kwatra, addressing reporters ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dubai, highlighted coal's ongoing significance in India's energy landscape. The country heavily relies on coal, accounting for 73% of its energy needs. To meet a substantial surge in power demand, India is swiftly pursuing the addition of 17 gigawatts of coal-based power generation capacity at its fastest pace in recent times.

India, along with China, stands in opposition to any potential endeavours aimed at impeding the construction of coal-fired power stations, crucial for their energy-intensive economies. Meanwhile, France, supported by the United States, intends to push for a cessation of private financing for such plants during COP28, as per sources.

Kwatra emphasized India's anticipation of a well-defined roadmap on climate financing during COP28. India has consistently advocated for a "loss-and-damage" fund to aid nations affected by environmental degradation stemming from industrial development. Kwatra stressed the significant benefits such a fund would provide to developing countries grappling with environmental consequences.