India’s significant advancements in clean energy have solidified its position as the world’s second-largest solar market, showcasing the nation’s increasing role in the global shift towards sustainability. At the ‘Resilient Futures Summit 2026’ in New Delhi, Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, highlighted that India’s addition of nearly 50 gigawatts of new solar capacity in 2025 has propelled its ascent in the global solar rankings. Key initiatives like the PM-KUSUM scheme, recognized as the world’s largest agricultural solarization program, and the PM Surya Ghar scheme are rapidly progressing, bolstering India’s renewable energy landscape.
India is actively sharing its successful energy models with various regions, particularly Africa, while also prioritizing the integration of artificial intelligence and digitalization in the energy sector to boost operational efficiency and scalability, as per Khanna. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his forward-looking vision, noting that the ambitious targets set in 2015, including 1,000 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and $1 trillion in investments, are gaining global traction. The establishment of the International Solar Alliance has played a crucial role in fostering international cooperation in solar energy, Khanna emphasized.
Michael Steidl from the European Investment Bank lauded India as the fastest-growing major economy, emphasizing the country’s steady progress towards achieving developed nation status by 2047. He highlighted Europe’s perspective of India as a vital strategic partner, with expectations of a potential free trade agreement that could unlock new avenues for trade and investment. Steidl underscored the potential of combining Europe’s technological expertise with India’s manufacturing capabilities to establish a robust partnership.
Sandeep Pandya, CEO of TDK SensEI, contributed to the dialogue by noting how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data centers are reshaping the energy sector. He pointed out that collaborative efforts between the government and the corporate sector in India are propelling the adoption of sustainable energy practices on a large scale.
