French, Indian leaders unite against climate change

French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forth a common front on the need to fight climate change on Saturday, two days after Donald Trump withdrew the US from the landmark Paris Agreement on the issue.

Modi was in Paris for his first official meeting with Macron as the world was adjusting to the absence of the US from the climate accord which 195 countries signed in the French capital in 2015.

"India would confirm its commitment to the Paris Agreement," Modi said at a press conference with Macron. He described fighting on behalf of “Mother Planet” as a gift for future generations.

As one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, India is a critical player in the climate pact.

"We are in favor of this Paris Agreement and we will continue to work in that direction, even beyond the Paris Agreement, even if this agreement did not exist,” Modi said.

France and India have jointly launched the Global Solar Alliance, aimed at developing solar energy and making it accessible to all.

"We are both convinced that our countries have to do a lot for the ecological and environmental transition and the fight against global warming," Macron said, adding that he planned to visit India before the end of the year for a summit on the Solar Alliance.

(CGTN)