India’s solar power capacity has surpassed 125 gigawatts, making it the third-largest solar power producer in the world, following China and the United States. This significant milestone was announced by Pralhad Joshi, India’s Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, during the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Conference held in New Delhi on October 8. This achievement marks a historic moment in India’s journey toward clean and sustainable energy.
The ISA, co-founded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former French President François Hollande during the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference, has been a key driver of India’s energy transformation. With its headquarters in Gurugram, India, the ISA aims to foster collaboration among countries rich in solar resources, promoting affordable, accessible, and sustainable solar energy solutions. To date, 124 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement, with 107 countries officially becoming members.
The upcoming 8th ISA Conference, scheduled for October 27-30, 2025, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, will gather ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world. The conference will focus on four strategic pillars aimed at accelerating the solar revolution:
- Catalyzing Financial Centers – Unlocking the potential for large-scale investments in solar energy.
- Global Capacity Centers and Digital Development – Building a unified technological ecosystem.
- Regional and National Engagement – Ensuring balanced growth among nations.
- Technological Roadmaps and Policies – Guiding sustainable innovation and policy-making.
Two flagship reports will be released during the event: the 2025 Solar Development Readiness Report and the 2025 Solar Trends Report, providing insights into global progress, policy frameworks, and pathways for expanding solar deployment.
India’s renewable energy transition has been propelled by strong government policies, public-private partnerships, and decreasing technology costs. Initiated in 2010, the National Solar Mission aims to position India as a global leader in solar energy by creating favorable conditions for large-scale applications. From vast solar parks in Rajasthan and Gujarat to rooftop photovoltaic projects in urban centers and off-grid solutions in rural areas, solar energy is reshaping India’s energy landscape.
Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized that India’s success is “not just an energy transition but an energy revolution—a transformation that combines growth with environmental protection.”
Global energy experts have praised India’s achievements. Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, remarked that “India’s leadership in solar energy redefines the possibilities for emerging economies. Its scale, policy innovations, and financial strategies offer a blueprint for the world.” Meanwhile, organizations like the World Resources Institute have highlighted the socio-economic impacts of solar energy in India, including job creation in the renewable sector and rural electrification that empowers communities.
The growing solar capacity in India is expected to yield profound benefits. Economically, it enhances energy independence and reduces reliance on fossil fuel imports, attracting billions in foreign direct investment. Environmentally, solar development plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, which is vital for fulfilling India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as announced at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference.
On a social level, initiatives such as PM-KUSUM empower small farmers to generate income by installing solar water pumps and supplying excess electricity back to the grid.
Looking ahead, the International Solar Alliance plans to mobilize over $1 trillion in investments to expand solar infrastructure in developing and least-developed countries by 2030. The organization will continue to collaborate with multilateral development banks, developmental finance institutions, and private sector innovators to make solar energy more affordable and accessible.
As the world faces increasing climate challenges, India’s progress serves as a compelling example of how innovation, policy, and global cooperation can collectively shape a cleaner and fairer future. Prime Minister Modi has stated, “Solar energy is not just about light—it is about life, hope, and progress.” India’s expanding solar capacity is proving this assertion more than ever.
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