India calls for unified global response as Plastic treaty talks fail at Busan

New Delhi: The world leaders failed to reach an agreement on a landmark treaty to curb plastic pollution at the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan.

A week of talks has failed to resolve deep divisions between “high-ambition” countries seeking a globally binding agreement to limit production and phase out harmful chemicals, and “like-minded” nations who want to focus on waste.

A draft text released on Sunday afternoon after multiple delays included a wide range of options, clarifying the ongoing level of disagreement.

Over, 200 nations are taking part in a meeting in Busan, South Korea, which is intended to result in a landmark agreement after two years of discussions.

Intervening, India reiterated the enormity of the challenge of Plastic Pollution, that no Nation alone can completely resolve. In an official statement, India emphasized the need to strike a critical balance between preventing the leakage of plastic in the environment and, at the same time, not affecting sustainable development, particularly in, Developing economies.

Reminding that India is home to 1.4 billion people and the Nation understands its responsibility in tackling the challenge of plastic pollution, it said, “While we all are working to develop the instrument, India has already taken a series of measures including banning some of short-lived plastic products and putting in place an ambitious and robust EPR regime on plastic packaging.

“We are moving towards sustainable plastic packaging, reducing the use of virgin material. At the same time, Chair, we cannot deny the important role plastic plays in the development of our societies and in varied sectors of the economy” the statement said.

The statement noted that this is a difficult ask which requires mutual trust and understanding of each other’s circumstances. India stated, “Our approach to finalise the draft instrument should be based on mutual trust, cooperation and the spirit of consensus.”

More than 100 countries support setting a target for production cuts, and dozens also back phasing out some chemicals and unnecessary plastic products.

The position of the world’s top two plastics producers, China and the US unknown. Both were notably absent from the stage at a press conference on Sunday by countries urging a strong treaty.

“Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. The text still has brackets…we have made tangible moves and I hope the committee can agree to use the draft text as a starting point and basis of negotiation,” said Luis Vayas Valdivieso, chair of INC 5.

Commenting on the negotiations, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said, “The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable. Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global

legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution”.

“At UNEA 5.2, the world promised to tackle plastic pollution. Now, at the next round of talks, the world will have the opportunity to finally make that a reality. An opportunity we cannot afford to miss,” she added.