One World, One Sun, One Grid - India puts global South at the heart of solar revolution

President Droupadi Murmu today delivered the keynote address at the Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking a historic first for a sitting President of India to address the global solar forum. Attended by representatives from 137 countries, the Assembly reaffirmed India’s leadership in driving the global solar revolution and the vision of “One World, One Sun, One Grid” championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In her keynote, President Murmu emphasized that the next phase of solar development must be inclusive, ensuring that “no woman, no farmer, no village, and no small island is left behind in this solar revolution.” She underscored that India remains steadfast in its commitment to work with all ISA Member Countries to build a solar-powered world that is equitable and sustainable.

Calling on member nations to focus on human impact, President Murmu said, “Our progress should not only be measured through megawatts, but by the number of lives illuminated, families strengthened, and communities transformed.” She urged the ISA to link solar growth with job creation, women’s leadership, and digital inclusion while maintaining ecological balance.

India’s leadership and PM Modi’s vision behind ISA

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President François Hollande on November 30, 2015, during the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris. Prime Minister Modi envisioned the ISA as a coalition of nations to promote solar energy across the tropics, encapsulated by the slogan “One World, One Sun, One Grid” (OSOWOG).

Since its launch, the ISA has grown from 121 signatory countries to 125 Member and Signatory Nations, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing international organizations focused on clean energy. India has hosted the ISA headquarters in Gurugram, marking the first intergovernmental organization based in India, symbolizing its pivotal role in the global energy transition.

Under Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest solar power producer, achieving 50% of its total installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources five years ahead of the 2030 target. Initiatives like PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM demonstrate India’s success in providing decentralized, people-centric solar solutions that empower rural communities and small farmers.

ISA: From ambition to action

Since its establishment, the ISA has transitioned from vision to measurable results. Its initiatives such as the Global Solar Facility, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Platform, and Africa Solar Mini-Grids are driving solar adoption in developing regions. The Alliance’s evolving strategy is anchored in four pillars: Catalytic Finance Hub, Global Capability Centre & Digitisation, Regional and Country-Level Engagement, and Technology Roadmap & Policy.

ISA’s programmes are now expanding solar access to the last mile. Director General Ashish Khanna noted that while it took 25 years to build the first 1,000 GW of solar capacity, the next 1,000 GW were added in just two years and the next doubling is expected within four years. “The Global South now stands at the centre of this transformation,” he said.

Minister Pralhad Joshi highlights India’s Solar Journey

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and President of the ISA Assembly, Pralhad Joshi, said ISA embodies “global cooperation and shared purpose.” Highlighting India’s progress, he stated that the country has transformed from an energy-deficient economy to a renewable energy powerhouse under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

“Through ISA, India is turning the voice of the Global South into action,” Joshi said. “Our journey from bringing light to millions of homes to becoming the world’s fourth-largest renewable energy capacity holder reflects India’s commitment to shared progress.”

France reaffirms partnership

Representing the French Co-Presidency, H.E. Mrs. Eléonore Caroit, French Minister of State for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad, reaffirmed France’s enduring partnership with India. She said France has “had the honour of serving as ISA co-president for nearly a decade,” while H.E. Mr. Benoit Faraco, France’s Special Envoy for Climate, added that the ISA directly supports COP goals to limit global warming to 1.5°C. France also announced financial support for the Africa Solar Facility, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to the solar transition.

Major announcements and reports

The Eighth Assembly saw a series of global initiatives unveiled:

• Launch of SUNRISE (Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation & Stakeholder Engagement) , aimed at transforming solar waste into green industry opportunities.

• Launch of OSOWOG (One Sun One World One Grid) vertical , connecting regional solar grids across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

• SIDS Joint Procurement MoU , signed by 16 island nations to coordinate solar energy deployment and resilience building.

• Unveiling of the Global Capability Centre — an innovation hub dubbed the “Silicon Valley for Solar” in India, along with the ISA Academy , an AI-powered online learning platform.

ISA also released five flagship reports - Ease of Doing Solar 2025, Solar PV Skills and Jobs in Africa, Solar Compass: Integrated PV Applications, Global Floating Solar Framework, and Global Solar Trends & Outlook 2025 - which collectively highlight the Global South’s rising role in shaping the global clean energy market.

India’s global impact and South–South cooperation

India’s solar achievements have avoided nearly ₹4 lakh crore in fossil fuel import costs and pollution-related damages, while generating over 1,08,000 GWh of clean electricity annually. Through ISA, India is sharing its model of decentralized, affordable energy access across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, positioning itself as a leader of South–South cooperation.

The Assembly will conclude with a visit to BSES Rajdhani’s Kilokri Battery Energy Storage System India’s largest urban standalone BESS and the Digital Twin of Network Project in Janakpuri, marking the next step in India’s smart energy transformation.

About the ISA

The International Solar Alliance, launched in 2015 by India and France at COP21, works to expand solar access, mobilize investments, and drive innovation across the developing world. With 125 member and signatory nations, ISA’s mission is to make solar energy affordable, reliable, and accessible for all, fostering sustainable growth and improving quality of life worldwide.