London, Sep 18 - Indian plans to set numerical targets for curbing greenhouse gas emissions were described Friday as a 'breakthrough' that challenges the US and other rich nations over climate change action.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told The Times of London legislation was being drafted to limit India's carbon footprint ahead of a UN climate change summit in Copenhagen December.

The paper said the announcement marks a breakthrough in climate change talks that are stalled over inaction by rich nations led by the US.

Ramesh said India will legislate to set its own targets for mitigating carbon emissions through various domestic initiatives, such as a massive plan to promote solar energy.