India has emerged as a global “solar superpower” as its clean energy expansion reshapes the economy, creates new opportunities and strengthens energy security, the United Nations’ top climate official said.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said India’s climate action is becoming a major economic driver, supported by a rapid rise in renewable energy capacity and the country’s large pool of skilled professionals.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Stiell highlighted India’s remarkable growth in solar power, noting that installed solar capacity has increased more than 50 times since 2014.
“India is now a solar superpower,” Stiell said, pointing to the country’s technology-driven workforce as a major advantage in the global race for clean energy.
India has already achieved a key milestone by ensuring that non-fossil fuel sources account for half of its total installed power capacity — five years ahead of its original target. The achievement was driven by cooperation between the government, businesses and citizens, he said.
According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India’s solar manufacturing capacity has expanded 75 times since 2014, helping the country become one of the world’s most competitive solar markets with among the lowest generation costs.
The UN climate chief said India’s shift towards renewable energy has also delivered major economic benefits, saving around $18 billion in fossil fuel imports last year. He said every solar panel installed brings the country closer to energy independence by reducing exposure to volatile global oil and gas markets.
India currently imports more than 85 percent of its crude oil needs, making the economy vulnerable to international disruptions and price fluctuations. Stiell said greater reliance on renewable energy would help protect India from external shocks caused by geopolitical conflicts.
He stressed that India’s biggest advantage is not only its renewable energy infrastructure but also its human capital, including engineers, IT professionals and technical experts.
A global clean energy revolution is underway, with nearly $2 trillion invested worldwide in clean technologies last year. Stiell said India is well positioned to attract a significant share of this investment by expanding sectors such as smart grids, green steel, electronics and clean technology manufacturing.
The country’s electric vehicle sector is also gaining momentum, supported by domestic automobile manufacturers and government policies aimed at accelerating the transition to cleaner transport.
Using a cricket analogy, Stiell compared India’s renewable energy journey to the combination of legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar and young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the country has already built an impressive record but its biggest achievements are still ahead.
“India has a stellar record, but the story is just getting started,” he said.
However, Stiell warned that the continued global dependence on coal, oil and gas is pushing the world closer to dangerous climate tipping points. He highlighted rising temperatures, severe heatwaves, unpredictable monsoons and climate-related threats to agriculture and food security.
He urged India to accelerate its transition away from coal and further expand clean energy, saying renewable power can reduce energy costs, improve security and strengthen economic stability.
“Renewables mean lower bills and greater energy security,” Stiell said, adding that clean technologies can protect households and businesses from fossil fuel price volatility while supporting national independence.
The UN official also called for stronger international cooperation and financial support for developing countries, urging developed nations to honour their climate finance commitments in full.
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