The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has congratulated the Inter- Governmental Panel on Climate Change and its Chairman Dr. R.K.Pachauri on winning the Noble Prize for Peace for the year 2007. Following is the text of the Prime Minister's message dated 13th October 2007:

"It is a matter of great delight and honour to know that the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change headed by Indian environmentalist Dr. R.K. Pachauri has won the Nobel Prize for Peace for the year 2007 jointly with Mr. Al Gore, the former Vice President of the USA. It is a historic moment for Dr. Pachauri and India. Never before has a UN body headed by an Indian been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This exceptional honour is recognition of the extraordinary work of Dr. Pachauri and his team at IPCC. They have done yeoman service in awakening our consciousness about the dangers of global warming and the measures that need to be taken urgently to address the serious challenges posed by it. This Award is a big boost to the efforts of Dr. Pachauri and his team of scientists, climate experts and economists to carry forward their work which will eventually promote the welfare of mankind. I have great pleasure in extending my hearty congratulations to Dr. Pachauri, his Panel and all those associated with this effort for being recognized for their efforts through the prestigious Nobel Prize. I am sure that it will encourage them to work with renewed vigour towards a more sustainable future."