In a strong articulation of India’s evolving development paradigm, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, today underscored that the country’s clean energy transition is no longer confined to climate commitments but is now central to shaping India’s industrial competitiveness, trade positioning, and long-term economic resilience.

Addressing the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 here today, the Minister highlighted that India’s journey towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity is simultaneously laying the foundation for a globally competitive, innovation-driven and Aatmanirbhar energy ecosystem.

Shri Joshi stated that the concept of Aatmanirbharta has evolved into a globally recognised framework for resilient and sustainable growth. He noted that India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, demonstrated how domestic capability can complement global responsibility. He further highlighted that India’s digital public infrastructure, including UPI, has set global benchmarks, while defence manufacturing exports such as BrahMos missiles and LCA Tejas aircraft reflect growing technological self-reliance. “Aatmanirbharta is not about isolation; it is about confidence, capability and global competitiveness,” he emphasised.

The Minister noted that just days ago, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had made seven appeals to citizens, encouraging more responsible and Aatmanirbhar ways of living and working. He said this message reflects the direction in which both India and the world are moving, with sustainability and self-reliance becoming central to future growth pathways.

The Union Minister observed that in the current global context, energy policy has become synonymous with industrial and trade policy. He pointed out that evolving global frameworks such as carbon-linked trade regulations are reshaping international markets. Shri Joshi noted that for Indian industry, adoption of renewable energy is no longer optional but essential for maintaining export competitiveness and managing future cost pressures.

Highlighting India’s rapid progress, Shri Joshi stated that the country has recorded one of the fastest expansions in renewable energy capacity globally. He cited significant growth across non-fossil energy, solar and wind capacity, as well as major advancements in domestic manufacturing of solar modules and cells. He also noted that renewable energy played a critical role in meeting India’s record peak power demand, contributing nearly one-third of the highest-ever demand of 256 GW.

He further highlighted that at a time when global renewable energy investments declined by around 7 per cent, India continued to attract strong investment flows, underscoring growing global confidence in its clean energy trajectory. Shri Joshi emphasised that this progress reflects the deep and effective partnership between the government and industry, which has been instrumental in driving India’s renewable energy expansion.

Shri Joshi outlined key policy measures undertaken to strengthen the renewable energy sector, including notification of long-term Renewable Consumption Obligation trajectories, introduction of Carbon Credit Certificate Regulations, 2026, long-term green ammonia procurement agreements, a standardised warranty framework for solar PV modules, the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System, and tax and duty reforms supporting domestic manufacturing. He stated that these measures aim to provide long-term policy stability, enhance investor confidence and promote domestic value addition.

The Minister highlighted that renewable energy is becoming a critical determinant of competitiveness in key industrial sectors such as steel, aluminium, chemicals, automotive and textiles. He emphasised the importance of emerging areas including green hydrogen, battery storage, pumped hydro, offshore wind and round-the-clock renewable energy solutions in the next phase of growth.

Shri Joshi expressed confidence that India is well on track to achieve its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. He stressed that the next phase will require deeper integration of generation, storage and transmission systems, along with enhanced grid resilience. He also underlined the importance of continued collaboration between government and industry to sustain the momentum of growth.

 The Minister. said India’s non-fossil fuel capacity has increased from 81 GW in 2014 to 288 GW at present, registering a growth of over (256 %). Solar energy capacity has risen from 2.8 GW to 155 GW, while wind energy capacity has grown from 21 GW to 56.4 GW.

Acknowledging the role of industry stakeholders, Shri Joshi stated that the progress achieved in India’s renewable energy sector is a result of strong public-private partnership. “The shared commitment between government and industry will be even more critical as we move towards building a globally competitive, technologically advanced and inclusive energy system,” he said. He invited industry stakeholders and global investors to participate in the upcoming Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet scheduled later this year.

Shri Joshi concluded by expressing confidence that with continued focus on scale, speed, skill and Aatmanirbharta, India will not only achieve its clean energy targets but also emerge as a global benchmark for sustainable industrial transformation.

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Nihi Sharma

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