India, the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, formally deposited its Instrument of Ratification of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change today at the United Nations.

"India has deposited its instrument of ratification of the Paris Agreement with the United Nations," the UN said in a statement.

India Deposits Instrument of Ratification of #ParisAgreement -

62 States Deposited Accounting for 51.89% GHGhttps://t.co/8iK3BzpWqJ pic.twitter.com/ME7wB8iPpy — UN Climate Action (@UNFCCC) October 2, 2016 ×

Anil Madhav Dave, Indian minister of state (Independent Charge) for environment, forest and climate change government of India, also confirmed the development on microblogging site, Twitter.

With India`s move, a total of 62 countries accounting for almost 52 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions have now ratified the agreement to commit to take action against planet's rising temperatures, international news agency AFP observes.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said that the agreement would be signed on the occassion of the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. As the agreement was ratified, he explained how the Paris accord was in sync with Gandhian ideology. Mahatma Gandhi is hailed as the preeminent leader of Indian independence movement.

Care & concern towards nature is integral to the Indian ethos. India is committed to doing everything possible to mitigate climate change. https://t.co/cKLlIu2J7S — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2016 ×

The climate change agreement aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to "well-below two degree Celsius compared to pre-industrial times.

The accord, agreed by nearly 200 countries in Paris last December, needs ratification from 55 countries that account for at least 55 per cent of the planet`s greenhouse gas emissions.

Last month, the agreement received a boost at world's two top emitters, US and China signed the agreement.

Meanwhile, United Nation Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated India for formally joining the Paris Agreement.

"The Secretary-General warmly congratulates India for ratifying and formally joining the Paris Agreement today.India`s leadership builds on the continued strong political momentum from Paris for urgent global action on climate change," said a statement by the spokesman of the Secretary-General.

US President Barack Obama also hailed India's submission of instrument of ratification.

It's also important to note that European Union (EU) is expected to complete the joint ratification of the climate pact by its 28 member states next week, Reuters observes adding that this will be a major milestone as it would take approvals past the 55 per cent mark and put the deal into effect ahead of the next round of climate talks in November, in Morocco.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

