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President Murmu Urges Global South to Champion Inclusive Solar Growth

President Droupadi Murmu made history as the first Indian President to address the Eighth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in New Delhi, highlighting India’s leadership in advancing the vision of “One World, One Sun, One Grid.”

Attended by 550 delegates from 125 countries, including 30 ministers, the assembly focused on scaling global solar collaboration ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

In her keynote, President Murmu commended ISA’s initiatives like the Global Solar Facility, Africa’s solar mini-grids, and SIDS Platform, while calling for a more inclusive solar revolution that benefits women, farmers, villages, and small islands.

“Progress should not be measured only in megawatts but in lives illuminated, communities strengthened, and futures transformed,” she said, urging nations to link solar energy with jobs, women’s leadership, and digital inclusion.

ISA, founded at COP21 in Paris, has evolved into a results-driven platform with four key pillars: Catalytic Finance Hub, Global Capability Centre & Digitisation, Regional Engagement, and Technology Roadmap & Policy.

MNRE Minister Pralhad Joshi, President of the ISA Assembly, emphasized India’s transformation into a global renewable energy leader, noting that the country achieved 50% non-fossil fuel capacity five years ahead of its target.

India, now the world’s third-largest solar producer, has avoided nearly Rs4 lakh crore (USD 46 billion) in fossil fuel imports and pollution costs while generating over 1,08,000 GWh of solar power.

Representing France, Minister Eléonore Caroit reaffirmed her country’s long-standing partnership with India in co-chairing the ISA and announced support for the Africa Solar Facility.

ISA also launched major initiatives including:

• SUNRISE (Solar Upcycling Network) for solar waste recycling and green job creation.
• A One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) programme to enhance regional interconnections.
• An ISA Academy digital learning platform and Global Capability Centre to position India as a “Silicon Valley for solar.”

New reports released — Ease of Doing Solar 2025, Solar PV Skills & Jobs in Africa, Solar Compass: Integrated PV, Global Floating Solar Framework, and Global Solar Trends & Outlook 2025 — outlined global progress and opportunities, including Africa’s projected solar workforce surge to 4 million by 2050.

The assembly will conclude with a visit to India’s largest urban Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at BSES Rajdhani Power’s Kilokri site.

“This is the moment for the Global South to lead the solar revolution — from advocacy to action,” said Ashish Khanna, ISA Director General.