Climate change a common challenge, says government on Nepal Minister’s compensation demand

Climate change is a “common challenge” and developed nations that are “historically” the highest emitters must lead the process of finding a solution to this crisis, said the official spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, on Friday (September 4, 2026).

The remarks came in response to Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who said that as the three biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, the U.S., China, and India should bear responsibility for climate change, and sought compensation from the three countries following the flash flood in Nepal last month.

“India has consistently maintained that climate change is a common challenge and action in this regard must be based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Developed countries who historically are responsible for the emissions and have contributed overwhelmingly to this present crisis must take the lead in reducing emissions and supporting developing countries by way of finance and technology transfer to meet this challenge,” said Mr. Jaiswal in response to a question.

India has sent several consignments of relief assistance, including a large team of tunnel rescue specialists, to Nepal since the disaster struck on August 26. Mr. Jaiswal described India as a “friend and partner” that will continue to extend help as Nepal deals with the aftermath of this crisis. He also noted that Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has thanked India in the Nepal Parliament for the assistance extended to Kathmandu.

On September 2, Mr. Khanal referred to Nepal’s diplomatic approach ahead of the UN General Assembly’s annual session, which will begin in New York later this month, and said his country sees the crisis through the prism of “justice and compensation” and not “aid”.

“The major industrial emitters – such as China, which is the world’s top emitter, the United States at number two, and India at number three – have a historical responsibility to compensate vulnerable nations like Nepal,” he said. He subsequently denied asking the U.S., China, and India for compensation and expressed “deep gratitude” for the help that India has been providing to Nepal.