NEW DELHI: Koji Omi, a senior leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, has emphasised the need for India to become more involved in addressing global climate change issues. Mr. Omi, considered close to the Japanese Prime Minister, told The Hindu that it was important for every country to be involved in the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. India, the U.S. and China, in particular, need to be more involved in the interest of saving humanity from the ill-effects of climate change.

He, however, declined to comment on a question about suggestions from the U.S. and other developed countries that India take up commitments for reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.

Mr. Omi, twice member of the Japanese Cabinet, said there was a need to recognise that harmonising economic development with global warming was among the most pressing problems the world faced. India must play an active role in ensuring that the progress of science and technology did not threaten the future of humankind. Its scientists, industry, political leaders and policy makers must contribute more in tackling global issues such as ethics in biotechnology and problem of privacy relating to information and communication technology. The Japanese leader, who set up the Science and Technology in Society Forum, an international forum for promoting sustainable development, two years ago, hoped that leaders from India would participate in large numbers in the Forum meetings. Mr. Omi called on Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, V.S. Ramamurthy and senior representatives of CII and FICCI. Some representatives from India, including Infosys chief Narayanamurthy, Rajya Sabha MP Ashwini Kumar and former Secretary of Department of Biotechnology Manju Sharma participated in the two previous meetings. There was a need for more Indian participants.

Mr. Omi, who recently assumed charge as Chairman of the Japan-India Friendship League in Japan Parliament, also called for greater economic ties between Japan and India.

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