India would be happy to join France in launching a global initiative on single use plastic: PM Modi

In his address, PM Modi said that India has always been a maritime civilization and ancient Indian texts and literature talk about the gifts of the oceans including marine life.

New Delhi: Noting that India is committed to eliminating single-use plastic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the country would be happy to join France in launching a global initiative on it. Modi made the remarks in a video message at a high-level segment of the One Ocean Summit.

“India recently launched a nationwide awareness campaign to clean up plastic and other waste from the coastal areas. Three lakh youth collected around 13 tonnes of plastic waste. I also instructed our Navy to contribute 100 ship days this year to clean up plastic waste from the ocean. India would be delighted to join France in launching a global initiative on single use plastics."

In his address, PM Modi said that India has always been a maritime civilization and ancient Indian texts and literature talk about the gifts of the oceans including marine life.

“Today our security and prosperity is linked to the oceans. India's "Indo Pacific Ocean Initiative" includes marine resources as a key pillar. India supports the French initiative of a High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. We look forward to a legally binding international treaty this year."

PM said that India is committed to eliminate single use plastic

The summit is being organised by France from February 9-11 in Brest in collaboration with the United Nations and the World Bank.

The aim of the summit is to inspire the international community to take concrete action towards the protection and support of healthy and sustainable marine ecosystems.

The high-level segment of the summit will also be addressed by several other heads of states and governments.