India on Wednesday called for stronger global cooperation to improve energy security for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav participated in the ISA SIDS Leadership Session on the sidelines of the UN climate summit in Belem, Brazil.
Addressing the session, Yadav said SIDS remain highly vulnerable due to their dependence on imported fossil fuels, climate-related disruptions and fragile infrastructure. He noted that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) aims to support these countries through standardised procurement, blended finance and wider access to solar technologies.
Highlighting India’s own progress, Yadav said the country has surpassed 500 gigawatts of installed electricity capacity, with more than half generated from clean energy sources, achieving its 50% non-fossil capacity target ahead of schedule. He underscored the progress made in rooftop, agricultural and rural solar initiatives, including the PM Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Programme and solar-powered systems for farmers. He also pointed to large-scale solar-battery projects, such as an upcoming installation in Ladakh that will store enough power to support an entire city.
Yadav added that such models could help SIDS reduce diesel imports, lower energy costs and strengthen resilience.
The Environment Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to the ISA, calling it a “global solar family” of more than 124 member countries that is helping mobilise finance, create local jobs and make solar the preferred source of clean electricity. Representatives from island nations praised India’s leadership and noted that renewable energy, supported by the SIDS platform, is central not only to climate resilience but also to socio-economic stability.
Notably, India is a founding member of the International Solar Alliance, which was launched jointly with France at the COP21 climate conference in Paris in 2015. The alliance is headquartered in Gurugram, making it the first international organisation to be based in India.