Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has reaffirmed India’s commitment to global solar cooperation, highlighting its leadership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a third consecutive term. He also outlined initiatives including the $200 million Africa Solar Facility, support for farmers and solar technology centres to expand affordable clean energy access.
India’s Global Solar Initiatives
India has been elected President of the International Solar Alliance for the third consecutive term. Its commitment of around ₹225 crore supports the $200 million Africa Solar Facility, while the $300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund aims to expand distributed renewable energy. India also highlighted 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, the SHINE Global Capability Centre and an AI-enabled ISA Academy.
Pralhad Joshi Reaffirms India’s Commitment to Global Solar Cooperation
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening international solar cooperation and ensuring equitable access to the benefits of renewable energy.
Speaking after attending the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, Joshi highlighted that India has been elected President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the third consecutive term.
He said the discussions at the summit would reinforce the priority of converting solar energy commitments into investments, partnerships into projects and ambition into measurable impact. The minister stressed that solar deployment should receive financing in regions where it is most needed.
India Supports Africa Solar Facility with ₹225 Crore Commitment
Joshi highlighted the $200 million Africa Solar Facility as an important initiative to unlock investments in Africa’s distributed renewable energy sector. India’s commitment of around ₹225 crore to the initiative reflects its support for making affordable solar energy accessible to underserved communities, he said.
He also referred to the $300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund as a model for expanding this approach across the African continent.
Reaffirming India’s international outlook, the minister said the country’s solar cooperation efforts were guided by the vision of “Power to Empower” and the principle of “One Sun, One World, One Grid”.
International Solar Alliance Strengthens Global Partnerships
India and France established the International Solar Alliance in 2015, with the aim of promoting solar energy deployment and international cooperation. The alliance has since developed into a platform for cooperation, particularly among countries of the Global South, with 130 signatory and member countries, according to the minister.
Joshi cited ISA-supported initiatives in Fiji, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles as examples of how solar energy can support livelihoods and climate resilience. These initiatives include powering healthcare facilities and schools, providing clean drinking water and supporting agricultural cold storage.
Solar Energy Initiatives to Empower Farmers
The minister also highlighted India’s efforts to empower farmers through solar energy, noting that around three million farmers had benefited from solar initiatives.
He referred to the PM-KUSUM scheme, which promotes solar-powered agriculture by helping reduce irrigation costs and creating additional income opportunities for farmers. The ISA is working to adapt this model across member countries, particularly in Africa, with a focus on placing farmers at the centre of the energy transition.
India Expands Solar Technology and Institutional Support
Joshi also outlined India’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and technological cooperation through the establishment of 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, the Global Capability Centre–SHINE (Strategic Hub for Innovation and Execution) and the AI-enabled ISA Academy.
He said the focus was on developing skills, strengthening institutions and harnessing emerging technologies to accelerate solar energy deployment across countries.
India’s renewed emphasis on international solar cooperation reflects its engagement with global efforts to expand renewable energy access, particularly across developing economies. Through the International Solar Alliance, support for African solar initiatives, farmer-focused programmes and technology partnerships, India is seeking to promote wider adoption of affordable and sustainable solar energy.
