India, July 2 -- Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as the country's largest carbon sink, playing a crucial role in India's fight against climate change, chief minister Pema Khandu said on Wednesday.

In a social media post marking the ongoing 'PEMA 3.0 - Year of Reforms and Growth' campaign, Khandu said the northeastern state contributes 14.38% to India's total carbon sequestration - the process by which forests absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Boasting 79% forest cover, Arunachal Pradesh currently holds a carbon stock of 1,021 million tonnes, the highest in India, the chief minister noted. "This rich carbon stock is critical for India to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2070," he wrote, highlighting the state's ecol...