The Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, visited the pavilion of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the India AI Impact Summit and reviewed technology-led innovations under the Global Mission on AI for Energy. The pavilion showcased practical scalable models that use artificial intelligence, digital platforms and geospatial tools to modernise utilities and strengthen resilience across ISA member countries. The summit highlighted the convergence of solar deployment and digital intelligence to enable real-time optimisation and smarter grid management.

The minister noted that the energy transition must be matched by a grid transition that integrates millions of decentralised assets into a stable reliable network. Achieving this requires stronger transmission infrastructure, modernised distribution networks and real-time monitoring supported by data-driven forecasting and optimisation. States such as Delhi, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are advancing digitisation, smart metering and digital control systems, reducing losses and enabling higher renewable penetration. These state-level experiences offer lessons for developing nations seeking to modernise power sectors.

India's solar capacity has expanded from less than three GW in 2014 to over 141 GW today, positioning the country among the fastest-growing solar markets globally. A defining achievement has been the democratisation of solar energy through programmes that turn consumers into producers. Under PM-KUSUM, hundreds of thousands of solar pumps have reduced diesel dependence and ensured reliable daytime power supply while feeder-level solarisation has improved supply quality and lowered distribution losses. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, targeting 10 million (mn) households, aims to become the world's largest rooftop solar programme.

With 125 member and signatory countries, the International Solar Alliance provides a platform to scale replicable solutions and to foster the fusion of solar energy and digital intelligence. Artificial intelligence can enhance load forecasting, predictive maintenance and grid optimisation while digital twins, unified consumer interfaces and GIS-based planning are enabling improved operational efficiency and investment planning. India is positioned to partner with ISA countries to advance a cleaner smarter and more inclusive energy future.