India today called for collective action by all countries towards sustainable development and poverty eradication. The Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Jayanti Natrajan said this while briefing reporters in New Delhi after the end of two day long Delhi Ministerial Dialogue on Green Economy and Inclusive Growth. She said that developing countries must be allowed to have appropriate policies space to define their suitable developmental strategies in their quest for poverty eradication.

Reiterating India's commitment to improve the quality of life of the people through inclusive growth, Mrs Natrajan underlined the need for inter linkages between economic, social and environmental issues. She also cautioned against use of Green Economy concept for green protectionism.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, UNSCD, Mr Sha Zukang appreciated India's role in taking the lead in formulating responses in the areas of food and energy security.