Japan signed a deal on Monday to help fast-growing India fight global warming as the two countries look ahead to a framework after the landmark Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
Under the agreement, Japan will invest in India's energy industry and transfer energy-saving technology.
It comes two weeks after Japan sealed a similar agreement with China during a landmark visit in Tokyo by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
Meeting with Japanese Trade Minister Akira Amari, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, said India "understands that global warming is a scientific fact backed by evidence."
A Japanese official cited the Indian visitor as saying that "India knows the importance of energy efficient technology and that it wants to curb growth of energy consumption through cooperation with Japan."
A joint statement establishes a regular dialogue between the two countries on energy conservation "through the voluntary formulation of energy efficiency goals and action plans," the official said.
"This part mentioning 'energy efficiency goals' shows that India is committed to setting a target in reducing greenhouse-gas emission, which the statement with China didn't have," the official said on condition of anonymity.
{{/usCountry}}"This part mentioning 'energy efficiency goals' shows that India is committed to setting a target in reducing greenhouse-gas emission, which the statement with China didn't have," the official said on condition of anonymity.
{{/usCountry}}Under the Kyoto Protocol aimed at tackling global warming, only 35 industrialised nations that have signed and ratified the pact are required to make targeted cuts in emissions of greenhouse gases.