India Reaffirms Commitment to Just Energy Transition at IRENA Assembly

India's Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, delivered the country's national statement at the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on January 12, 2026. He emphasised India's dedication to a just, equitable, affordable, and sustainable global energy transition, guided by the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – One Earth, One Family, One Future. The commitmenmt to ISA's core values come at a timw when the US has pulled out of over 60 global bodies, including the ISA.  

Joshi reiterated targets of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070. 

Milestone Achievements in Renewable Capacity

Joshi highlighted that India has achieved the milestone of reaching 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its Paris Agreement NDC target. 

India’s renewable energy capacity now exceeds 266 GW. The Minister noted that nearly 50 GW of renewable capacity was added in 2025 alone. Joshi emphasised India's focus on energy storage, grid modernisation, Green Energy Corridors, and innovative tenders like hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) projects. 

Furthermore, Joshi talked about India’s efforts to bolster clean energy supply chains, which include expanding domestic manufacturing in solar, wind, batteries, and electrolysers, fostering self-reliance and global supply diversification. 

The Minister also spotlighted programs empowering households and farmers. Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, 2.5 million households gained rooftop solar in under two years, targeting 10 million by March 2027.

PM-KUSUM has been deployed for 2.17 million farmers via diesel pump replacements and solarised agricultural feeders.

Call for Global Investment and Cooperation

As per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy India requires USD 300 billion by 2030 for renewables, storage, green hydrogen, grids, and manufacturing. 

Joshi urged international collaboration on technology transfer, low-cost finance, capacity building, and standards harmonisation, especially for developing nations. 

He reaffirmed India's support for IRENA, offering expertise to Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States for a shared sustainable future.

Key Engagements

Earlier, Joshi joined the High-Level Dialogue on “Reimagining Energy Futures: Bold Visions for Shared Prosperity,” held on the sidelines of the assembly, advocating people-centric transitions via finance, technology, and governance cooperation. 

In a bilateral meeting, Joshi discussed with the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, ways to deepen ties in renewables, decentralised energy, manufacturing, storage, and blended finance. 

About IRENA and the Assembly

IRENA, with 170 members including the founder India, supports sustainable energy transitions as a hub for policy, technology, and finance knowledge. The 16th Assembly, from January 10-12, 2026, in Abu Dhabi adopts the theme "Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity," uniting leaders to accelerate renewables for equity and wellbeing.