New Delhi, 3 November 2026: Addressing the media at a press conference on the sidelines of the India Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 here today, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Education and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, reiterated India's commitment to advance international solar cooperation and ensure that the benefits of progress are shared equitably.
The Union Minister highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India remains steadfast in its commitment to advance international solar cooperation, guided by the 'Power to Empower' approach and the principle of 'One Sun, One World, One Grid'. India has been elected President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the third consecutive term.
He recalled that this conviction brought India and France together to establish the International Solar Alliance in 2015. Today, with 130 ISA signatories and member states, this vision has evolved into a powerful platform for international cooperation, particularly for the Global South.
BRE Summit & Expo 2026 was inaugurated by Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2nd November, 2026 and will conclude on 5th November, 2026. Joshi had said that the discussions over the last two days and the next two days will further strengthen the clear priority of moving from commitments to investments, from partnerships to projects and from aspirations to impacts.
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Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund
Highlighting the Alliance's key priorities, the Minister stressed the importance of financial support for solar deployment where it is most needed. He said that the USD 200 million Africa Solar Facility represents an important step towards unlocking investment in Africa's decentralized renewable energy sector. India approximately Rs. The commitment of Rs 225 crore (25 million USD) further strengthens its resolve to make affordable solar energy accessible to underprivileged communities. He further added that the USD 300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund provides a model for scaling this approach across the region.
Emphasizing the role of solar energy in changing lives, Joshi highlighted the importance of delivering solutions on a large scale. He said ISA-supported initiatives in Fiji, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles have demonstrated how solar energy can strengthen livelihoods and climate resilience by powering health facilities and schools, providing clean drinking water and supporting agricultural cold storage. He further informed that the Alliance is pursuing integrated solar and storage opportunities, starting with Mauritius, to create scalable models for Small Island Developing States.
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India PM-Kusum Initiative
The Union Minister also highlighted the importance of empowering 30 lakh farmers through solar energy and expanding Agri-PV. He said that India's PM-KUSUM initiative has shown how solar-powered agriculture can reduce irrigation costs and create additional income opportunities. Through ISA, efforts are being made to adapt this model to member countries, particularly in Africa, which puts farmers at the center of the energy transition.
Regarding strengthening national capabilities, Joshi highlighted the establishment of 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, Global Capability Center-SHINE and AI-enabled ISA Academy. He said the focus is on strengthening institutions, developing skills and using emerging technologies to accelerate solar deployment.
Highlighting the growing importance of clean energy in the context of technological advancements, the Minister said that as Artificial Intelligence is reshaping economies, access to scalable, reliable and clean electricity will become an even greater strategic imperative. Joshi stressed that the message of the assembly was clear: the future of solar energy must be built through corporate responsibility, sustained investment and collective action.
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Congratulations to France and its Minister on being re-elected as ISA Co-Chairs
On behalf of the Government of India, he expressed his sincere gratitude to all the Member States for reposing their trust in India and electing it to the Presidency of the International Solar Alliance for the third consecutive term. He also congratulated France and its minister for being re-elected as co-chairs of ISA.
Concluding his address, Joshi said that as India begins its new era, the focus will be on mobilizing investment, accelerating deployment and translating collective aspirations into tangible results for communities and nations. He thanked all the member countries for their continued trust and partnership.