India-China climate change deal

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Two of the world's biggest polluters, India and China, have signed an agreement to work together on addressing climate change.

The two countries will co-operate on technology development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

They have also pledged to work together in international climate change negotiations ahead of the Copenhagen climate change talks in December.

Both argue that capping their emissions would limit their economic growth.

The two countries say that developed countries must play a bigger role in reductions.

Clarification

Speaking ahead of the signing ceremony in Delhi, Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said that there was virtually no difference between Indian and Chinese negotiating positions on international climate treaties.

He said that he would hold more consultations with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, to see "what India and China should do to ensure a successful outcome at Copenhagen that not only protects the environment but promotes the interests of developing countries".

The BBC's Amit Baruah in Delhi says that Mr Ramesh has been forced to clarify his stand in relation to climate change after he was reported as suggesting earlier that he might be prepared to make compromises in order for a deal to be struck at Copenhagen.

"I have never at any stage considered or advocated abandoning the fundamental tenets of the [1997] Kyoto protocol," Mr Ramesh said in an official statement on Tuesday.

"Internationally legally binding [greenhouse gas] reduction targets are for developed countries and developed countries alone, as globally agreed under the [2007] Bali action plan," the statement said.