“I know the argument made by some that it is unfair on part of countries like the US to ask developing countries and emerging economies like India to reduce your dependence on same fossil fuel that powered our growth,” he said in his Town Hall address.

“But here is the truth: Even if countries like the US curb emissions, if countries that are growing rapidly like India with soaring needs don’t also embrace cleaner fuels… we don’t stand a chance.” He welcomed India’s “ambitious targets” for generating clean energy.