Pralhad Joshi reiterates India's commitment to international solar cooperation

India remains committed to further strengthening its global leadership, international cooperation and equitable distribution of solar energy in the renewable energy sector, said Union Minister for Renewable Energy, Education, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi. Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the India Renewable Energy Summit and Exhibition (RE-INVEST) 2026, he said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is continuously working towards the global expansion of clean energy based on the principles of ‘Energy for Empowerment’ and ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’. India’s election as the Chair of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the third consecutive time is a significant testament to the country’s growing international stature and leadership in the solar energy sector. The alliance, established in 2015 with the joint efforts of India and France, now has 130 signatories and member states. The organization is working as an influential international forum to increase access to solar energy, attract investment, facilitate technical cooperation and implement clean energy projects, especially in developing countries of the Global South. On November 2, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the RE-INVEST Summit and Expo 2026, which will continue till November 5. Shri Joshi expressed hope that the discussions held at the summit will help translate declarations and commitments in the solar energy sector into real investments, connect international partnerships with new projects and translate policy ambitions into direct impact on people's lives. Outlining the key priorities of the International Solar Alliance, he said that priority is being given to investment and project implementation in regions where the need for solar energy is highest. In this regard, the $200 million Africa Solar Facility is a significant step towards facilitating investment in Africa's renewable energy sector. India's contribution of $25 million (approximately Rs. 225 crore) for this initiative has further strengthened the country's commitment to the expansion of affordable solar energy. Similarly, the $300 million Nigeria Renewable Energy Fund will provide a model for scaling up such projects in other countries in the continent. Elaborating on how solar energy can transform the lives of ordinary people, the Minister said that projects implemented with ISA assistance in countries like Fiji, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles have helped in providing electricity to health centres and schools, providing clean drinking water and strengthening cold storage facilities for storing agricultural produce. This will improve rural livelihoods and enhance resilience to climate change. In addition, the partnership is working to develop a sustainable and scalable model for integrating solar energy with energy storage systems in small island developing states, starting with Mauritius. Shri Joshi also emphasized on empowering 3 million farmers by expanding the use of solar energy in agriculture. Citing India's PM-KUSUM scheme as a successful example, he said that solar irrigation systems are reducing the electricity and fuel costs of farmers and creating additional income opportunities. ISA is trying to expand this model, especially in African countries. Through Agri-PV or agricultural-solar systems, solar power generation can be made possible simultaneously with farming, which will strengthen the income and energy security of farmers. He informed that steps are being taken to enhance the capacity of the solar energy sector at the national and international levels, such as setting up 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, Global Capacity Centre ‘Shine’ and AI-enabled ISA Academy. These centres will help member countries in application of solar technology, creation of skilled human resources, exchange of knowledge and skills and implementation of projects. On the other hand, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence and digital economy, the demand for affordable, reliable and clean electricity will increase in the future. Therefore, the importance of renewable energy for energy security and economic development will increase further in the coming days, the Minister opined. He opined that shared responsibility, sustained investment and collective efforts of all countries are indispensable to shape the future of solar energy. He thanked all member countries for re-electing India as the Chairman and congratulated France on being re-elected as the Co-Chair of ISA. He assured that India will focus on accelerating investments in solar energy, accelerating implementation of projects and realising the benefits of clean energy for communities and nations around the world in the new term. The press conference was attended by representatives and officials from various countries including Santosh Kumar Sadangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance, Mathieu Lefevre, Minister of Climate Change, France, Martin Lidegaard, Minister of Trade and Competition, Denmark, David Abiamofo, Minister of Natural Resources, Suriname, Geralda Dessoubin, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship, Seychelles, and Mahmud Arkam Elias, Deputy Minister of Energy, Sri Lanka, among others.