India and China struck an agreement yesterday to co-ordinate efforts to combat climate change that has at its core demands that the developed world take the lead in cutting global carbon emissions.

Both countries are resisting acceptance of binding cuts or caps to their carbon emissions, arguing that they will unfairly curb their development. They insist that the developed world should take responsibility for the damage it has inflicted on the planet.

Yesterday's agreement, at a time of tension between the two Asian powers over territorial disputes and water resources, aligned efforts to tackle climate change for five years. It also agreed a common cause to seek financial resources and technology to help developing countries control their carbon footprints as they industrialise.