Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together industry leaders, investors, startup representatives, policymakers and senior government officials from India and other countries. The event aims to strengthen India’s renewable energy investment ecosystem and promote international cooperation in clean energy, solar power and green hydrogen.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing importance of renewable energy amid global energy disruptions. He stated that recent international developments had demonstrated the strong connection between energy security and economic security. According to the Prime Minister, continued dependence on fossil fuels would expose economies to repeated disruptions because conventional energy resources are limited and concentrated in specific regions. He emphasized that clean energy offers a more sustainable and widely accessible alternative, adding that the future of energy security lies in renewable sources.

The Prime Minister also called for greater innovation in solar energy technologies. He encouraged startups, IITs, researchers and entrepreneurs to develop advanced solar solutions capable of providing reliable electricity throughout the day and across different weather conditions. He particularly highlighted opportunities in rooftop solar cooking and solar-powered charging systems for electric two-wheelers and cars. These solutions, he said, could help middle-class households reduce their dependence on imported gas and save thousands of rupees annually.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi also addressed the summit and highlighted India’s progress in the renewable energy sector. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Modi with providing direction and momentum to the country’s clean energy development.

Joshi highlighted the approval of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, which has an investment outlay of more than ₹5,000 crore and aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity. He also mentioned the recent approval of Green Energy Corridor Phase III, involving an investment of ₹1.86 lakh crore to strengthen renewable energy transmission infrastructure.

The minister stated that India’s non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity had increased from 80.3 GW to more than 310 GW over the last 12 years, representing growth of approximately 280 per cent. Solar capacity increased from 2.8 GW to 171 GW, while wind power capacity expanded from 21 GW to 60 GW.

He further highlighted significant growth in domestic manufacturing. India’s solar module manufacturing capacity increased from 2 GW to 225 GW, while solar cell manufacturing capacity reached 45 GW from zero. Wind turbine manufacturing capacity also expanded from 10 GW to 24 GW.

According to Joshi, renewable energy investments exceeded USD 67 billion over the last two years, while the sector attracted USD 6.2 billion in foreign direct investment during the same period. He also stated that India’s non-fossil fuel capacity had crossed 200 GW in September 2024 and subsequently reached 310 GW.

The minister highlighted progress under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, which had crossed 65 lakh installations, with more than one lakh installations being completed every six days.

Renewable energy costs have also declined significantly. Solar tariffs fell from ₹10–11 per unit in 2011-12 to ₹2.15 per unit in 2024-25. Green hydrogen was available at ₹279 per kg, while green ammonia reached ₹49.75 per kg. Joshi also highlighted India’s leading position in global green hydrogen offtake commitments.

The minister invited international investors and companies to participate in India’s renewable energy development, encouraging them to invest, innovate and grow with the country. The summit is expected to provide opportunities for partnerships, technology development and investment across India’s expanding clean energy sector.