Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi highlighted the growing global momentum behind solar energy and the expanding role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in accelerating the clean energy transition worldwide during the ISA Foundation Day celebrations held in New Delhi on March 11.
Addressing the gathering, Joshi said the Alliance represents the strength of global collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development through solar energy deployment. He noted that the initiative reflects the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” the Indian philosophy that the world is one family, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in ensuring equitable access to clean energy.
ISA Grows into Global Coalition
The Minister highlighted that the International Solar Alliance has grown significantly since its inception nearly a decade ago. What began as a joint initiative between India and France during the COP21 has evolved into a global platform with 125 member and signatory countries working collectively to accelerate solar deployment.
Joshi credited the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi for transforming the concept into a global movement aimed at expanding solar energy access, particularly in emerging and developing economies.
He noted that ISA’s initiatives have played a catalytic role in delivering solar solutions across communities by supporting solar-powered healthcare centres, irrigation systems for farmers, cold storage infrastructure, and electrification of schools and public institutions.
India’s Solar Progress
Highlighting India’s progress in renewable energy, Joshi said the country’s installed solar capacity has reached nearly 136 GW, accounting for almost half of its total renewable energy capacity. He attributed this growth to strong policy support and innovation-led development in the sector.
The Minister also pointed to flagship government initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM, which aim to promote rooftop solar adoption among households and provide solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers.
Rapid Growth in Global Solar Capacity
According to Joshi, global solar deployment is accelerating rapidly. While it took nearly 25 years for the world to install the first 1,000 GW of solar capacity, the next 1,000 GW is expected to be achieved much faster, indicating a major shift in the global energy transition.
He also emphasized that the centre of the clean energy transition is increasingly moving towards the Global South, where rising energy demand combined with abundant solar resources offers a unique opportunity to expand renewable energy deployment.
In this context, ISA has emerged as a unique platform bringing together governments, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to scale solar projects worldwide.
Focus on Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Joshi further noted that the global energy transition is entering a new phase driven by digital technologies and artificial intelligence. He highlighted ISA’s role in advancing the Global Mission on AI for Energy, aimed at developing smarter and more resilient energy systems.
During the event, ISA also announced the Green Hydrogen and Storage Start-up Challenge 2026, designed to support innovative startups working in green hydrogen and energy storage technologies. Selected startups will receive structured mentoring, acceleration support, and access to ISA member country markets.
Strengthening Global Solar Collaboration
Speaking at the event, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), said solar energy has become one of the most valuable public goods of the modern era. He added that India is working towards achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, supported by a strong policy and implementation framework.
Meanwhile, Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, said the organisation has evolved into a global coalition supported by 125 member and signatory countries and 77 partner organisations. He added that the alliance will continue supporting member nations in expanding energy access, strengthening livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development.
ISA also launched an enhanced digital platform during the event to improve access to knowledge resources, programmes, and partnership opportunities for member countries and stakeholders.
Established in 2015, the International Solar Alliance continues to mobilise partnerships among governments, financial institutions, and industry to accelerate solar energy deployment, particularly in regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States.
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