PM Modi inaugurates Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo in Delhi; warns against fossil fuel dependence
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stressed the importance of clean energy for India’s future, saying that heavy dependence on fossil fuels could repeatedly disrupt the global economy. Speaking at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit in New Delhi, Modi said energy security was directly connected to economic security, particularly amid the ongoing global crisis.
The PM said India’s investments in renewable energy over the past decade had helped the country deal with global energy challenges. He added that the ongoing crisis had highlighted the need to reduce dependence on conventional fuel sources and expand cleaner alternatives.
“If we continue to depend heavily on fossil fuels, the global economy will keep getting disrupted repeatedly,” Modi said.
According to the Prime Minister, India’s clean energy investments have helped protect its economy from the impact of international disruptions. He also highlighted the country’s growing renewable energy capacity and the opportunities available for investors in the sector.
PM Modi sets 500 GW clean energy capacity target
Modi announced that India aims to add another 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity over the next 10 to 11 years. He acknowledged that the target was challenging but expressed confidence in the country’s ability to achieve it.
Modi also highlighted the investment flowing into India’s renewable energy sector. He said the country had attracted more than Rs 15 lakh crore in clean energy investments over the past decade, including over Rs 6 lakh crore since the 2024 RE-INVEST Summit.
He further indicated that investment opportunities in India’s clean energy sector could cross Rs 20 lakh crore by the end of this decade. Modi also pointed to India’s political and policy stability as important factors for attracting international investors.
PM Modi calls for clean cooking movement
Addressing concerns over energy security and imported fuel, Modi also called for a nationwide ‘Clean Cooking Movement’. He stressed the need to reduce household dependence on imported cooking gas by encouraging greater use of solar energy.
Modi noted that expanding renewable energy was not just an environmental priority but also an important step towards strengthening India’s economic security.
His remarks come amid concerns over global energy supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia. The government is looking to expand domestic renewable energy production and reduce exposure to international fuel price fluctuations.