New Delhi, Nov 3: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi reaffirmed India’s commitment to international solar cooperation and the equitable distribution of benefits from renewable energy progress. He made the remarks after attending the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026. Joshi highlighted India’s election as President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a third consecutive term. He said discussions at the event focused on converting solar commitments into investments, partnerships into projects and stated ambitions into measurable impact, with financing directed towards areas of greatest need. The minister pointed to the $200 mn Africa Solar Facility as an important mechanism for attracting investment into Africa’s distributed renewable energy sector. India has committed around Rs. 2.25 bn to the initiative, reflecting its support for expanding affordable solar power access among underserved communities. Joshi also cited the $300 mn Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund as a model for scaling distributed energy systems across Africa. He said ISA-backed initiatives in Fiji, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles had supported healthcare facilities, schools, clean drinking water and agricultural cold storage, while strengthening livelihoods and climate resilience. India’s PM-KUSUM initiative has helped bring solar energy to 3 mn farmers, with the programme reducing irrigation costs and creating additional income opportunities. Joshi said ISA was working to adapt the model across member countries, particularly in Africa, while placing farmers at the centre of the energy transition. He further outlined the establishment of 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, the Global Capability Centre–SHINE and the AI-enabled ISA Academy. These institutions are intended to strengthen skills, promote innovation and accelerate solar deployment across the ISA’s 130 signatory and member countries. India and France established the alliance in 2015 to advance cooperation, particularly across the Global South.