The world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases has formally joined the Paris agreement on climate change.

The United Nations says cash-strapped but power-hungry giant India is the latest to join the global pact.

The Paris deal was agreed to by nearly 200 countries in Paris last December, and seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions by shifting to lower-emitting energy sources.

But nations responsible for over 55 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions are not yet on board.

“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to accelerate their domestic procedures in order to join the agreement as soon as possible this year,” a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General told Reuters this week.

The European Union will soon complete the joint ratification of the climate pact, which is considered a big step in pushing approvals past the 55 per cent mark and have the deal come into effect.

Insiders what more surety as they head into the next round of climate talks in November, in Morocco.

The United States and China, the world's two biggest emitters, submitted approvals of the Paris agreement to the United Nations last month.

India says the deal will require more work before it can be fully ratified, including more detailed rules and guidelines for its operation.

But the nation’s environment ministry criticised developed countries for living “extravagant lifestyles with a high carbon footprint”.

India is expected to urge developed countries to do more at upcoming talks in Morocco.