New Delhi, Sept. 23 -- Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen on Wednesday said that India was the "indispensable voice" in the future of climate and energy policy, highlighting its progress and role in delivering practical outcomes at COP31.

Speaking at the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) Pre-COP Dialogue in New Delhi, Bowen said he had chosen to visit India instead of New York, reflecting the importance he attaches to India, Australia and the COP31 process.

He said, "Well, my friends, I had a choice this week: New York or New Delhi. I chose New Delhi," Bowen said, adding that it was a "reflection of India's importance to me, and to Australia, and to the COP31 process, and our friendship."

"I'm so glad to be b...