Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said India’s clean energy push is now becoming an important part of the country’s economic and industrial strategy, and not just a climate-related goal.

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, Joshi said India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 is helping build a more self-reliant and globally competitive energy sector.

He said the idea of “Aatmanirbharta” or self-reliance has now gone beyond domestic manufacturing and is shaping India’s approach towards technology, energy and global trade.

“Aatmanirbharta is not about isolation; it is about confidence, capability and global competitiveness,” Joshi said during his address.

Commenting on India’s management of the current pandemic situation, the minister cited the example of initiatives like Vaccine Maitri, which demonstrated how India could use its capacity not only for domestic but also for international purposes. Additionally, the minister highlighted India’s digital payments system, arms exports, and renewable energy as evidence of India becoming increasingly self-reliant.

According to Joshi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had very recently asked the Indian citizens to live sustainably and self-sufficiently, as this new trend was being adopted worldwide.

The minister stated that energy policy has now been made an integral part of trade and industry policy all around the world, particularly due to the implementation of carbon-based trading policies.

He further mentioned that renewable energy sources have become essential for India’s industries to survive in the global market economy and handle costs in the future.

Stressing on India's achievements in the area, Joshi pointed out that the non-fossil fuel power generation capacity of India had risen from 81 GW in 2014 to 288 GW now, representing an increase of more than 256 percent. The solar energy capacity had risen from 2.8 GW to 155 GW, and the wind energy capacity from 21 GW to 56.4 GW.

Renewable energy has been responsible for meeting one-third of the peak load of 256 GW set by India.

Pointing out that despite a decline of about 7% in worldwide investments in renewable energy, investments in the industry in India have remained strong, demonstrating confidence in the nation’s green energy policies.

Additionally, the minister mentioned the various policies implemented by the government such as renewable energy consumption, carbon credit scheme, green ammonia agreements, and manufacturing incentives.

The minister said that the steel, chemical, automobile, aluminum, and textile industries are going to become increasingly dependent on renewables to stay ahead in the game. In addition, Joshi added that green hydrogen, battery, offshore wind, and pumped hydro plants will be vital components of the next phase of energy transition in India.

He added that India is now well on its way to meet its target of generating 500 GW of power through sources other than fossil fuels. However, better grid management and coordination between the government and private sectors will be key to future success.”

The minister called upon the industry leaders and investors to join hands at the upcoming Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet.”