"The second edition of the FICCI Net Zero Forum – ‘Pathways to a Climate-Responsible Future’ was recently held in Hyderabad, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, sustainability experts, financial institutions and technology innovators.

In a video message, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, reaffirmed India’s commitment to leading the global net-zero transition. He highlighted that the country’s shift to non-fossil energy is a fundamental necessity, supported by strong policy measures and rapid capacity expansion. India is now the third-largest in solar capacity globally and has achieved around 50–55 per cent of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources. With nearly 150 GW of solar capacity installed, the transition is expected to generate about 510,000 green jobs in the next four years.

Navin Mittal, Special Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Telangana, emphasised that energy storage will be the next major transformation following solar growth. He noted that India consumes nearly 150 billion litres of petrol and diesel annually, underlining the need for cleaner alternatives. Solar-powered electric mobility can cost as low as Rs 0.60 per kilometre, compared to Rs 10 for fossil fuels, while offering significantly higher efficiency.

Dr Bondada Raghavendra Rao, Chairman, FICCI Telangana Sustainability Panel, stated that India’s net-zero pathway represents a major economic opportunity driven by collaboration between industry, government and financial institutions. Rear Admiral R Sreenivas (Retd.), CEO, Bondada Group, highlighted the importance of integrating digital technologies and smart infrastructure to enable systemic transformation.

Mr Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner to Hyderabad, underscored the role of global partnerships, citing UK–India collaborations and investments in clean energy. He stressed that scaling climate finance remains critical to achieving net-zero goals.