The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has emerged as a powerful platform for global cooperation on solar energy, with 125 member and signatory countries working together to accelerate clean energy deployment worldwide, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

Addressing the ISA Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi, Joshi highlighted the growing global momentum behind solar power and emphasised that the alliance reflects the strength of international partnerships in advancing sustainable development.

He said the initiative was launched nearly a decade ago by Narendra Modi and France during the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2015, with the vision of placing solar energy at the centre of global development.

According to the minister, ISA has played a key role in expanding solar deployment in emerging and developing economies by supporting projects that provide clean electricity to communities, solar-powered irrigation for farmers and energy access to schools and healthcare centres.

Joshi said the alliance reflects the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the belief that the world is one family — and demonstrates how nations can collaborate to ensure equitable access to clean energy.

Highlighting India’s progress, the minister noted that the country’s installed solar capacity has reached nearly 136 gigawatts, accounting for almost half of its renewable energy capacity. He attributed this growth to strong policy initiatives and innovation in the renewable energy sector.

Flagship programmes such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM are helping households generate clean electricity and enabling farmers to use solar-powered irrigation systems, he said.

Joshi also pointed out that the global solar sector is expanding rapidly. While it took nearly 25 years to install the first 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity worldwide, the next 1,000 gigawatts is expected to be achieved much faster, signalling a major shift in the global energy transition.

The minister added that the future of energy systems will increasingly involve digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and noted that ISA is advancing initiatives such as the Global Mission on AI for Energy to develop smarter and more resilient energy systems.

During the event, ISA also announced the Green Hydrogen and Storage Start-up Challenge 2026, aimed at supporting innovative startups working on green hydrogen and energy storage technologies through mentoring, acceleration programmes and access to international markets.

Officials said the initiative will help build a stronger global ecosystem to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions and support sustainable development worldwide.