ISA Foundation Day: Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, highlighted the growing global momentum behind solar energy and the role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in accelerating the clean energy transition across the world. Addressing the ISA Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi on 11th March, the Minister said that the Alliance reflects the power of shared vision and global partnership in advancing sustainable development through solar energy.
ISA Expands as a Coalition of Over 120 Countries
Shri 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 that the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, helped transform this idea into a global movement.
Spotlighting the impact ISA has created through its interventions, Shri Joshi noted, “Over the past decade, the International Solar Alliance has helped turn the promise of solar energy into real, life-changing impact across the world. By advancing solar deployment where it matters most, ISA has played a catalytic role in shifting the global energy transition toward emerging and developing economies, bringing clean, reliable power to communities that need it most.
Through targeted interventions, ISA is improving lives every day: ensuring uninterrupted healthcare by solarising health centres, empowering farmers with solar-powered irrigation and cold storage, strengthening food security, and bringing clean electricity to schools and public institutions. Support for startups, young professionals, and innovation ecosystems is creating new opportunities, jobs, and leadership for the future of clean energy.
As global solar capacity accelerates and clean energy investment reaches historic highs, ISA’s work stands as proof that the energy transition can be inclusive, people-centred and transformative. On the anniversary of ISA’s Foundation Day, India, the President of the ISA Assembly, celebrates not only the scale of progress achieved, but the millions of lives uplifted and reaffirms our commitment to expanding access, resilience and opportunity through the power of the sun.”
The Minister said that the creation of ISA is rooted in the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the belief that the world is one family, and reflects the spirit of nations working together to ensure that the benefits of clean energy are shared equitably.
Highlighting the growth of the Alliance, Shri Joshi said that what began as a powerful vision has today grown into a coalition of more than 120 countries working collectively to accelerate the global solar transition.
India’s Solar Growth Demonstrates Impact of Strong Policy Commitment
Referring to India’s own progress, the Minister said that the country’s installed solar capacity has reached nearly 136 gigawatts, accounting for almost half of India’s renewable energy capacity. He noted that this growth demonstrates what sustained policy commitment and innovation can achieve.
The Minister further highlighted flagship initiatives that are enabling the benefits of solar energy to reach people directly. Programmes such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana are enabling millions of households to generate their own clean electricity, while PM-KUSUM is empowering farmers through solar-powered irrigation systems.
Global Solar Deployment Accelerating Rapidly
Shri Joshi also pointed to the remarkable global momentum behind solar energy. He observed that while it took nearly twenty-five 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 era in the global energy transition.
The Minister emphasised that the centre of gravity of the clean energy transition is increasingly shifting to the Global South, where rising energy demand and abundant solar resources present an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog traditional energy pathways.
In this context, he said the International Solar Alliance 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 and innovative financing platforms including the Global Solar Facility, ISA is helping countries deploy solar solutions that improve energy access, strengthen livelihoods and support sustainable growth, he added.
AI and Digital Technologies to Shape Future Energy Systems
Shri Joshi further noted that the energy transition is entering a new phase where digital technologies and artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role. He highlighted ISA’s leadership in advancing the Global Mission on AI for Energy, which aims to harness innovation to build 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 that the solar transition is ultimately about more than energy, it is about creating opportunities for development, resilience and prosperity across the world.
Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in his address highlighted, “Solar energy has truly emerged as one of the most valuable public goods of our time, an abundant, benevolent force that nations are increasingly harnessing for the collective welfare of their people. In India, this understanding has translated into decisive action. Guided by the vision to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, we have built a strong policy and implementation framework that has accelerated deployment, strengthened domestic manufacturing, and empowered citizens to participate directly in the energy transition.”
Shri Sarangi said India is committed to sharing its experience with the world. He added that through platforms such as the International Solar Alliance, and initiatives like the Africa Solar Facility, we are working to extend the benefits of solar energy beyond our borders, learning from our partners while contributing to a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for generations to come.
The Director General of the International Solar Alliance, Shri Ashish Khanna, noted, “On the Foundation Day of the International Solar Alliance, I express my heartfelt gratitude to our Member Countries, partner institutions and colleagues who have shaped and strengthened this Alliance. The Alliance today has grown into a global coalition of 125 Member and Signatory countries united by the belief that the world’s most abundant energy source must also be its most democratic.”
Shri Khanna said “Our Members across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and the Others are the true custodians of ISA’s progress. Their trust, leadership and ambition define every milestone we achieve. I am equally grateful to our 77 partner organisations and to the growing community of young solar professionals trained at IIT Delhi, who carry this mission forward each day.”
He added ISA will continue to work with humility and purpose, supporting our Member Countries to translate this momentum into tangible outcomes: expanded energy access, stronger livelihoods, and shared prosperity. Together, we will continue to turn sunlight into opportunity, resilience and progress for all.
The occasion also marked the announcement of the ISA’s Green Hydrogen and Storage Start-up Challenge 2026, to identify and support innovative startups working at the forefront of green hydrogen and energy storage solutions. The Challenge will offer selected startups structured acceleration and mentoring support, as well as access to ISA’s Member Country markets to enable technology transfer and scale-up. The initiative aims to build a strong global ecosystem that accelerates the deployment of green hydrogen and storage technologies worldwide.
Alongside this, the International Solar Alliance also launched a new, enhanced website designed to meet the growing needs of its Member Countries and partners. The upgraded platform strengthens access to knowledge, programmes and opportunities, improves stakeholder engagement, and reflects ISA’s expanding portfolio and global ambitions, serving as a more dynamic, user-centric gateway to the Alliance’s work and impact.
