India highlights commitment to Montreal protocol at OEWG48
Bangkok, July 16
Jagpreet Kaur, First Secretary of the Embassy of India in Bangkok, on Thursday highlighted India's continued commitment to implementing the Montreal Protocol at the 48th meeting of the Open‑Ended Working Group of Parties to the Montreal Protocol.
"India is actively participating in the 48th meeting of the Open‑Ended Working Group (OEWG48) of Parties to the Montreal Protocol, being held from 13-17 July 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. Jagpreet Kaur, First Secretary, Indian Embassy in Thailand, made interventions under various agenda items of the OEWG48, highlighting India's continued commitment to implementing the Montreal Protocol and the challenges faced by Article 5 countries as Parties enter the critical phases of the Kigali Amendment," the Embassy of India in Thailand wrote on X.
"The need for a holistic approach that goes beyond mere compliance and fosters long‑term strategies for sustaining the phase‑out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and phase‑down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) was also emphasised," it added.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is the landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man‑made chemicals referred to as Ozone‑Depleting Substances (ODS).
Adopted on 16 September 1987, the Protocol is, to date, one of the few treaties to achieve universal ratification.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the Montreal Protocol phases down the consumption and production of the different ODS in a step‑wise manner, with different timetables for developed and developing countries (referred to as "Article 5 countries").
Under this treaty, all parties have specific responsibilities related to the phase‑out of different groups of ODS, control of ODS trade, annual data reporting, national licensing systems to control ODS imports and exports, and other matters.
Developing and developed countries have equal but differentiated responsibilities, but most importantly, both groups of countries have binding, time‑targeted and measurable commitments.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some good news! India always punches above its weight in global forums. The holistic approach mentioned is key—we can't just tick boxes, we need sustainable solutions. Proud of our diplomats. 🇮🇳
All well and good, but what about the cost to consumers? Every time we phase out something, ACs and fridges become more expensive. Middle class families are already struggling. Need more subsidies for green alternatives.
The Montreal Protocol is one of the few global successes. India's role as a voice for developing countries is vital. We need technology transfer from developed nations to make this transition fair. Ozone layer recovery is a shared responsibility. 🌍
Progress is good, but implementation on ground is always slow in India. I hope this isn't just another diplomatic statement that gets forgotten. Need stricter laws and better monitoring of CFC/HFC use. Just saying...
As someone who works in environmental policy, I'm impressed by India's consistency on this issue. The Article 5 country perspective is often overlooked. Kudos to the team in Bangkok for representing our interests well! 👏
I appreciate India's leadership but let's be real—
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