India warns UN top court not to add to climate laws

India on Thursday warned the top UN court not to create new international laws on tackling climate change, as judges aim to craft a fresh global legal framework.

Joining other top emitters, the United States and China, India tells the International Court of Justice that the existing UN framework was sufficient. The ICJ is holding historic hearings to form a so-called "advisory opinion" on states' responsibilities to fight climate change and the consequences for those damaging the environment.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change "reflects a delicate balance among varying interests and enjoy almost universal adherence," said India's representative. India aims to boost non-fossil fuel power capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and is committed to achieving a net-zero-emissions economy by 2070.