Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs led the Indian Delegation for the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting hosted in Brasília on 19 May 2025 under Brazil’s Presidency. The Union Minister highlighted energy security as one of the most pressing current challenges and emphasized the need to strengthen BRICS cooperation to ensure economic stability and sustainability, as well as to promote equitable access to energy resources globally.
He reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive energy future and lauded Brazil’s leadership under the theme, ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.’ He further emphasized the critical role of energy security, access, and affordability in advancing global development goals. Manohar Lal showcased India’s rapid progress in clean energy highlighting some of the key achievements given below:
- A 90% increase in electricity capacity over the past decade, reaching 475 GW in 2025 and targeting 900 GW by 2032.
- Becoming the world’s third-largest producer of solar and wind energy.
- Marching fast towards achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Achieving a 20% ethanol blending milestone, advancing biofuel adoption and emissions reduction.
- Investing in smart grids, advanced metering infrastructure, and an expanded transmission network, including the Green Energy Corridor.
- Setting ambitious goals for green hydrogen and nuclear energy, including a 100 GW nuclear capacity target by 2047.
- Launching a domestic Carbon Credit Market, inviting global collaboration.
He also emphasized the role of the Global Biofuels Alliance in advancing cooperation in the biofuels sector and underscored India’s commitment to energy efficiency through innovative programs such as the Energy Conservation Sustainable Buildings Code, rooftop solar initiatives, and efficient appliance standards. He underscored the vital role of fossil fuels in the global energy mix—especially for developing countries—and urged greater cooperation to promote their cleaner and efficient use through technologies such as coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and green chemical innovations.
In conclusion, Manohar Lal extended an invitation to the BRICS nations to participate in the next BRICS Energy Gathering, scheduled for 2026 in India, reaffirming the country’s commitment to leading the energy agenda for the Global South. Some of the key outcomes from the Energy Ministerial Communiqué jointly adopted by the BRICS Energy Ministers:
The BRICS Energy Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening energy security and advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), focusing on universal electricity access, clean cooking, and tackling energy poverty. They emphasized the need for just, inclusive, and balanced energy transitions in response to climate change.
While acknowledging the continued role of fossil fuels—particularly in developing countries—they stressed the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with SDG 7 and global climate targets guided by technological neutrality and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC).
The Ministers called for stronger partnerships, supported open, fair, and non-discriminatory international energy markets, and encouraged the use of local currencies in energy trade.
They recognized the fundamental role of the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform and welcomed the updated BRICS Roadmap for Energy Cooperation (2025–2030) as key to deeper collaboration.
Affirming each country’s right to determine its own energy transition path and pace, the Ministers advocated efficient use of all energy sources and called for increased concessional and low-cost financing from developed to developing nations. They highlighted the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in promoting sustainable energy infrastructure, especially through local currency financing.
