PM Modi stresses global cooperation at G20 for sustainable energy and development

New Delhi, Jan 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Summit session on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition on Friday.

He emphasised India's leadership in fostering green growth and global collaboration.

PM Modi, in his speech, highlighted key achievements and ambitious goals.

He called for enhanced cooperation to meet the sustainable development needs of the Global South, particularly Small Island Developing States.

“In New Delhi, we resolved to triple renewable energy capacity and double the rate of energy efficiency by 2030,” Prime Minister Modi said, welcoming Brazil’s decision to continue advancing these priorities during its G20 presidency.

Outlining India's domestic achievements, Modi stated, “Over the past decade, we have provided housing to 40 million families. In just five years, 120 million households now have clean drinking water, 100 million families have clean cooking fuel, and 115 million have access to toilets. These efforts reflect our people’s progressive thinking and balanced tradition, where nature is revered as a moral duty.”

India, Modi highlighted, was the first G20 country to meet its Paris Agreement commitments ahead of schedule. “Now we are rapidly moving towards more ambitious targets. Of the 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030, we have already achieved 200 GW. Green transition in India has become a mass campaign,” he said.

The Prime Minister detailed India’s global initiatives promoting sustainability, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). “Under the ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ initiative, we are fostering global energy connectivity. With the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre and the Global Biofuel Alliance, India is leading the way in clean energy innovation,” Modi added.

On the front of food security and environmental concerns, Modi remarked, “Food waste not only increases hunger but also contributes to the carbon footprint. This is a concern we must tackle collectively.”

On climate resilience, Modi highlighted the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, which saw one billion trees planted in India this year. “Our circular approach addresses challenges related to critical minerals. Through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, we are now focusing on post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.”

Calling for balanced climate finance and technology transfers, Modi emphasized the importance of affordable solutions for energy transitions in the Global South. “Economic development is a priority for these nations, especially in the context of the digital age and artificial intelligence. Developed countries must fulfil their commitments to provide timely finance and technology,” he urged.

The Prime Minister concluded with an invitation to global partners: “India is sharing its successful experiences, particularly with the Global South. We have announced the Global Development Compact to foster cooperation. I call upon all of you to join this initiative and take forward our collective effort for a sustainable future.”