International Solar Alliance Reflects Power of Global Partnership: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on ISA Foundation Day

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi highlighted the growing global momentum behind solar energy and the critical role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in accelerating the clean energy transition worldwide. Addressing the ISA Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi on Tuesday, the Minister said the Alliance reflects the power of shared vision and international cooperation in advancing sustainable development through solar energy.

Joshi noted that nearly a decade ago, India and France came together with a bold vision to place the power of the sun at the centre of global development. He said the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi helped transform this idea into a global movement that is now driving solar deployment across the world.

Highlighting the impact created by the Alliance, the Minister said the ISA has played a catalytic role in turning the promise of solar energy into real, life-changing outcomes. According to him, the organisation has significantly contributed to expanding solar deployment in emerging and developing economies, helping deliver clean and reliable electricity to communities that need it most.

Through targeted interventions, the Alliance has supported solarisation of healthcare facilities, improved agricultural productivity through solar-powered irrigation and cold storage, and strengthened food security. Joshi said solar power is also helping bring reliable electricity to schools and public institutions while fostering innovation through support for startups, young professionals, and clean energy ecosystems.

He said that as global solar capacity continues to accelerate and clean energy investment reaches record levels, the work of the ISA demonstrates that the energy transition can be inclusive, people-centred, and transformative. On the occasion of the Alliance’s Foundation Day, India, which currently holds the presidency of the ISA Assembly, celebrated not only the scale of progress achieved but also the millions of lives positively impacted by solar initiatives.

The Minister said the creation of the ISA is deeply rooted in the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family—reflecting the spirit of global cooperation in ensuring equitable access to clean energy.

Highlighting the growth of the Alliance, Joshi noted that what began as a powerful idea has now evolved into a coalition of 125 member and signatory countries working collectively to accelerate the global solar transition.

Referring to India’s own progress in renewable energy, the Minister said the country’s installed solar capacity has reached nearly 136 gigawatts, accounting for almost half of its total renewable energy capacity. He said this remarkable growth reflects sustained policy commitment, technological innovation, and strong institutional support.

Joshi also highlighted flagship government initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to enable millions of households to generate their own clean electricity, and PM-KUSUM, which is empowering farmers through solar-powered irrigation systems.

He further pointed to the rapid expansion of solar energy worldwide. While it took nearly 25 years for the world to install the first 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity, the next 1,000 gigawatts is expected to be achieved much faster, signalling a new phase in the global clean energy transition.

The Minister emphasised that the centre of gravity of the energy transition is increasingly shifting towards the Global South, where growing energy demand and abundant solar resources offer an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog traditional energy pathways.

In this context, he said the ISA has emerged as a unique platform bringing together governments, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to expand solar deployment and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.

Through initiatives such as decentralised renewable energy systems, solar irrigation programmes, and innovative financing mechanisms like the Global Solar Facility, the Alliance is helping countries deploy solar solutions that enhance energy access, strengthen livelihoods, and support sustainable growth.

Joshi also noted that the energy transition is entering a new phase where digital technologies and artificial intelligence will play a key role in improving efficiency and resilience in power systems. He highlighted ISA’s leadership in advancing the Global Mission on AI for Energy, aimed at harnessing innovation to develop smarter and more resilient energy systems.

Concluding his address, the Minister reaffirmed the collective commitment of ISA member countries to advancing the global solar transition. He said the solar transition is ultimately about more than energy—it is about creating opportunities for development, resilience, and prosperity for communities across the world.