Indian Minister for Environment Bhupendra Yadav said that developed countries want India to take the lead on climate change and "that is why the Dubai climate conference has been extended".
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (more commonly known as COP) took place from 30 November to 12 December at Expo City in Dubai.
The minister said that while India is committed to increasing its renewable energy capacity, the country must also meet the energy needs of its people.
"This cannot be done by just importing oil and gas…we will have to rely on coal power until we achieve the objective of developed India," he said.
"Poverty eradication is a priority for many nations. That is why we have not accepted pressure from developed countries (to phase out fossil fuels)," Yadav stressed.
The minister reiterated that developed countries must provide financial and technological support to developing countries to help them fight climate change.
He said that historically, developed countries have been primarily responsible for emissions (since the industrial revolution) and they should take responsibility.
"India accounts for 17 per cent of the world's population, but its contribution to global carbon emissions is only four per cent," he said.