Copyright thehindubusinessline
Emphasising that progress should be measured through lives illuminated rather than megawatts, President of India Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to link solar energy with job creation, women’s leadership, rural livelihoods and digital inclusion. Delivering her keynote address at the Eighth Session of the ISA Assembly, she stressed on the member countries of the global body to think beyond infrastructure and focus on changing lives. “As this assembly deliberates on the way forward, I urge all member countries to think beyond infrastructure and focus on the lives of the people. I urge this assembly to develop a collective action plan that links solar energy with job creation, women’s leadership, rural livelihoods and digital inclusion,” she stressed. Progress should not only be measured through megawatts but through the number of lives illuminated, the number of families strengthened, and the number of communities transformed, the President added. Maximum benefit “The focus should also be on technology development and on sharing the latest and advanced technologies with all for maximum benefit. As we expand large-scale solar installations, we should ensure that the ecological balance of the region is preserved. After all, environmental conservation for the future is the very reason we are turning to green energy,” she said. Terming the ISA as a true symbol of global co-operation and shared purpose, Minister of New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said “India is the voice of the Global South. And through ISA, we are turning that voice into action, helping nations harness solar power and share technology.” Ashish Khanna, Director General of the ISA, emphasised “ISA is now moving from advocacy to action — taking India’s successful solar experience in large-scale deployment, innovation, and affordability to countries across the Global South.” Through initiatives such as joint procurement by Small Island Developing States, the Africa Solar Facility, the launch of the Global Capability Centre, new programmes on circularity and waste management and a dedicated programme on One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG), ISA is helping nations move from pilots to scale, building solar economies that are sustainable, inclusive and regenerative, he added. Inclusive future “This is the moment for Global South leadership in shaping an inclusive, resilient, and solar-powered future,” he noted. Through ISA, India will help replicate successful initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM across developing countries, particularly in Africa and small island nations. These programmes demonstrate the transformative impact of decentralised, people-focused energy solutions — powering homes, supporting livelihoods, and taking energy access to the last mile. This is a shining example of South-South co-operation, sharing lessons, scaling solutions, and accelerating global solar adoption. India’s achievements in solar energy are a powerful source of inspiration, the MNRE said. “Now the world’s third-largest solar power producer, India has achieved 50 per cent of its total installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources five years ahead of its 2030 target, avoided nearly ₹4 lakh crore (around $46 billion) in fossil fuel imports and pollution-related costs, and produced over 1,08,000 GWh (gigawatt hour) of solar electricity, it added. Published on October 28, 2025
