President Murmu urges inclusive solar growth at ISA Assembly

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 8th session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly in New Delhi on October 28, 2025, urging member nations to build a solar-powered world that leaves no woman, farmer, village, or small island behind.

In her keynote address, the President said the ISA represents humanity’s shared aspiration to harness the Sun as a source of inclusion, dignity, and prosperity. She described solar energy as the most democratic form of power, accessible to all and belonging to none, and stressed that large-scale solar adoption can democratise energy use and empower communities.

She highlighted that India ranks among the top global renewable energy producers, with over 120 GW of installed solar capacity, and is on track to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. By 2050, India aims to become a hub for solar innovation, manufacturing, and knowledge exchange.

President Murmu underlined that India’s renewable journey links energy equity with social equity. She said that access to clean, affordable energy drives local economies and transforms lives, especially in rural areas. Citing initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, she said India plans to share these models with developing nations, particularly in Africa and small island states.

She also emphasised women’s participation in the solar transition, praising ISA’s ‘Solar for She’ initiative for enabling women to become engineers, entrepreneurs, and trainers. “Energy access in the hands of women will transform communities,” she said. The President concluded that solar progress should be measured not only in megawatts but in lives illuminated and opportunities created.