Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to international solar cooperation and the equitable sharing of clean energy benefits, speaking after attending the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 in New Delhi. A key highlight of his address was India's election as President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a third consecutive term.

India's Leadership at the ISA

Joshi underscored that India's renewed presidency of the ISA — a platform co-founded by India and France in 2015 — reflects a sustained national commitment to driving solar energy adoption globally. The alliance has since grown into a coalition of 130 signatory and member countries, with a particular focus on the Global South. The minister framed the moment as a transition 'from solar commitments to investments, from partnerships to projects, and from ambition to impact.'

Africa Solar Push and Key Funding Commitments

A centrepiece of the minister's remarks was India's backing of the $200 million Africa Solar Facility, which he described as a critical mechanism for unlocking investment in Africa's distributed renewable energy sector. India has committed approximately ₹225 crore to this initiative, signalling resolve to make affordable solar energy accessible to underserved communities across the continent.

Joshi also highlighted the $300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund as a scalable model for rolling out distributed solar across Africa. ISA-supported programmes in Fiji, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles were cited as concrete examples of solar energy strengthening livelihoods — powering healthcare facilities and schools, enabling clean drinking water access, and supporting agricultural cold storage.

Empowering Farmers Through Solar

The minister highlighted India's PM-KUSUM initiative as a domestic success story, stating that it has empowered 3 million farmers by deploying solar energy to reduce irrigation costs and generate additional income. He said the ISA is actively working to adapt this model across member countries, with a particular emphasis on Africa, positioning farmers at the centre of the energy transition.

Institutional Capacity and Technology Initiatives

Joshi pointed to the establishment of 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, the Global Capability Centre–SHINE (Strategic Hub for Innovation and Execution), and an AI-enabled ISA Academy as part of a broader effort to build institutional capacity and develop skills. The focus, he said, is on harnessing emerging technologies to accelerate solar deployment across member nations.

The Guiding Vision

India's engagement in global solar diplomacy, the minister noted, is guided by the principle of 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' and the vision of 'Power to Empower' — frameworks that position solar energy not merely as a climate solution but as a driver of social equity. India's continued leadership of the ISA is expected to shape the alliance's agenda on financing, technology transfer, and rural electrification in the years ahead.