New Delhi: India will not relent in its opposition to the European Union's move to levy a tax on carbon emissions by aircraft flying to the continent at a meeting later this month, according to government officials aware of the development.
A high-level group of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) negotiators is meeting in Montreal, Canada, on 25-27 March to draw up a global plan to address aviation emissions.
"We are firming up India's stand together with ministries of environment, shipping, commerce and external affairs. Our stand is that we should respect the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)," said a civil aviation ministry official who requested anonymity.
UNFCCC, which is an international treaty on environment, contains no enforcement mechanisms and is considered legally non-binding. Nations such as India that have ratified the agreement have committed to a "voluntary non-binding" aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
06/03/13 Mint - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX/Menafn.com
