India reaffirmed its commitment to a just, inclusive and sustainable global energy transition at the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi, with a strong call for equity, multilateral cooperation and people-centric clean energy growth.
Delivering India’s national statement at the plenary session, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said India’s energy transition is guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One Family, One Future — and anchored in long-term policy stability, inclusivity and shared global responsibility. He reiterated India’s targets of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel installed power capacity by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070.
Highlighting a key milestone, the Minister said India achieved 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its Nationally Determined Contribution target under the Paris Agreement. India’s total renewable energy capacity has crossed 266 gigawatts, placing it among the world’s leading clean energy markets.
As one of the fastest-growing major energy economies, India is focusing on building resilient and reliable power systems through rapid deployment of energy storage, grid modernisation, Green Energy Corridors and innovative bidding mechanisms such as hybrid and round-the-clock renewable energy projects. The Minister also underlined efforts to strengthen clean energy supply chains and expand domestic manufacturing in solar, wind, batteries and electrolysers, supporting both national self-reliance and diversified global supply chains.
Emphasising the social dimension of India’s transition, the Minister said flagship programmes are empowering households and farmers. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, around 2.5 million households have already adopted rooftop solar in less than two years, with a target of 10 million households by March 2027. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, about 2.17 million farmers have benefitted through solarisation of pumps and agricultural feeders.
The Minister noted that India alone will require investments of around 300 billion US dollars by 2030, creating large opportunities across renewable generation, energy storage, green hydrogen, grids and manufacturing. With stable policies and transparent markets, he said India continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for clean energy investment.
Calling for stronger international cooperation, India stressed the need for technology transfer, access to affordable finance, capacity building and harmonisation of standards, particularly to support developing countries in scaling up renewable energy without compromising development goals. India reaffirmed its support for IRENA and its readiness to share experience and technical expertise, especially with least developed countries and small island developing states.
On the sidelines of the Assembly, the Minister participated in a high-level dialogue on reimagining energy futures and reiterated that the global energy transition must become a mass movement driven by equity and inclusion. He noted that India added nearly 50 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in 2025 alone.
The Minister also held bilateral discussions with the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment to deepen cooperation on clean energy, climate action, energy storage, manufacturing, innovation and food security, aligned with the UAE’s net zero 2050 goal.
The 16th session of the IRENA Assembly, being held from January 10 to 12 in Abu Dhabi, is focused on advancing renewable energy for shared prosperity, economic inclusion and human wellbeing through coordinated global action.
