India Key to Global Green Transition: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said India holds a pivotal role in the global transition towards a “Green World”, highlighting that the country’s scale and growth trajectory position it as a major driver of sustainable development.

Addressing the Sustainable Business Futures Summit 2026, the minister said India’s 1.4 billion population presents both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead the shift towards green technologies and clean energy systems.

He emphasised that green infrastructure will be central to India’s future economic growth, with the evolving global economy increasingly driven by recycling, regeneration and environmentally sustainable technologies.

Singh noted that India’s economic transformation is closely linked to its green growth vision, supported by a rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. He highlighted that the country now has over two lakh startups, with a significant number emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Referring to policy initiatives, he described the SHANTI Act as a landmark reform that opens the nuclear energy sector to wider participation, including private players, and strengthens clean energy generation.

The minister said India is expanding its clean energy ecosystem to support emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and data centres, which require reliable power supply. He added that the country is focusing on advanced energy systems, smart grids, energy storage and integration of multiple sources such as solar, wind, nuclear and hydrogen.

Citing the government’s long-term vision under Narendra Modi, Singh reiterated India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and promoting sustainable lifestyles through initiatives like LiFE.

He also stressed the importance of circular economy practices, climate-resilient infrastructure and collaborative efforts between government, industry and academia to achieve sustainability goals.

Singh concluded that India’s progress will significantly influence the success of the global green transition, making it a key player in shaping a sustainable future.