On May 16, 2025, the inaugural session of the Sagarmatha Sambaad was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, under the theme Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, represented India at this high-level global dialogue, emphasizing the urgent need to protect fragile mountain ecosystems like the Himalayas. The event, hosted by Nepal, saw participation from global leaders, including Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev.
India’s Commitment to Climate Action
Addressing the Climate Crisis
Shri Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s dedication to tackling the global climate crisis. He noted that South Asia, despite housing 25% of the world’s population, contributes only 4% of historical global CO₂ emissions. However, developing nations bear a disproportionate burden of climate impacts, while developed countries lag in fulfilling commitments to climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Protecting Mountain Ecosystems
The Himalayas, a shared ecological and cultural heritage, are vital for biodiversity and human survival. Shri Yadav called for enhanced transboundary conservation efforts among Himalayan nations under the International Big Cats Alliance. This initiative aims to protect iconic species like snow leopards, tigers, and leopards through conservation expertise, funding, and knowledge sharing.
Key Initiatives Highlighted
Project Snow Leopard
Shri Yadav emphasized the significance of Project Snow Leopard, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. During the 13th CoP to the Convention on Migratory Species in February 2020, PM Modi stressed the importance of conserving snow leopards and their habitats. India’s first comprehensive Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019–2023) estimated 718 snow leopards in India, representing 10–15% of the global population.
Five-Point Call for Global Action
Shri Yadav proposed a five-point agenda to address ecological challenges in mountainous regions:
| Action Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Scientific Cooperation | Strengthen research on cryospheric changes, hydrological cycles, and biodiversity. |
| Building Climate Resilience | Invest in early warning systems for disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and climate-resilient infrastructure. |
| Empowering Mountain Communities | Prioritize local welfare, green livelihoods, and traditional knowledge in policymaking. |
| Providing Green Finance | Ensure adequate climate finance for mountain nations per the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement. |
| Recognizing Mountain Perspectives | Highlight mountain vulnerabilities in global climate and sustainable development agendas. |
Bilateral Engagements During the Visit
Strengthening India-Nepal Ties
During his visit to Nepal from May 15–17, 2025, Shri Bhupender Yadav held key bilateral meetings. On May 16, 2025, he met Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment to review progress in environmental initiatives and explore further cooperation. He also engaged with Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba to strengthen India-Nepal environmental cooperation.
Meeting with Nepal’s Prime Minister
Shri Yadav called on Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on May 16, 2025, conveying greetings from Indian leadership and congratulating Nepal for hosting the Sagarmatha Sambaad. Both leaders discussed deepening India-Nepal ties in environmental conservation, rooted in historical and cultural bonds.
Cultural Visits
Shri Yadav visited Adalat Bhawan and Shree Jestha Varna Mahavihar near Patan Darbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These sites are part of 30 cultural reconstruction projects supported by India post the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
India’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
Shri Yadav concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to collaborate with Nepal and other mountain nations under the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. He emphasized ensuring that sacred mountains remain beacons of hope and sustainability.
Key Highlights
- Sagarmatha Sambaad held on May 16, 2025, focused on climate change and mountain ecosystems.
- India proposed a five-point call for global action to protect fragile mountain regions.
- International Big Cats Alliance promoted for transboundary conservation of species like snow leopards.
- 718 snow leopards estimated in India through the 2019–2023 assessment.
- Bilateral meetings on May 16, 2025 strengthened India-Nepal environmental cooperation.
- India supports 30 cultural reconstruction projects in Nepal post-2015 earthquake.