India, along with 62 countries, has voted in favour of the world’s first global carbon tax on shipping, adopted by the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Starting in 2028, ships must switch to cleaner fuels or pay a pollution fee—up to $380 per tonne for the most polluting emissions. The tax is expected to generate $40 billion by 2030, aimed solely at decarbonising the maritime sector. However, the agreement faces criticism for excluding broader climate finance and only targeting a 10% emissions cut by 2030. Vulnerable nations and environmental groups call it insufficient, citing lack of transparency and ambition. The US abstained from voting, while oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia opposed the measure.