Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the 6th International Climate Summit 2026, emphasizing that energy security is inseparable from national security, strategic autonomy, and economic resilience. He stated that in the current environment of geopolitical uncertainties, disrupted supply chains, and volatile energy markets, India must become increasingly self-reliant, indigenous, affordable, and technology-advanced in the energy sector.
Dr. Singh highlighted that technological advancement and self-reliance are closely interlinked, and affordability is crucial for ensuring emerging technologies reach their full potential. With the emergence of an AI-driven data-center era, India will require affordable and clean energy sources to maximize outcomes from these technologies.
The Minister described the present period as a transition towards a secure and sustainable energy future, including clean energy transition. As India seeks a greater global role, it must keep pace with global trends and technological developments in energy.
Energy Security Pathways
The government is pursuing energy security through multiple pathways, with nuclear energy being a key area. Dr. Singh highlighted the nuclear energy mission with a target of 100 GW by 2047 and noted the significant development of opening the nuclear sector to private players. He emphasized that an integrated approach and enlarged resource pool are necessary to meet ambitious energy targets. The government also targets five Small Modular Reactors by 2033, with such technologies becoming increasingly important in the coming years.
Clean Energy Initiatives
The Minister highlighted efforts in green hydrogen, including the recently flagged-off green hydrogen train. Biofuels and the circular economy will form an important part of India's clean-energy transition, with the next industrial revolution expected to be driven significantly by circular economy and new technology pathways including biofuels, ethanol, and sustainable fuels. India's growing requirements in agriculture, health, irrigation, fertilizer, and transport sectors necessitate continuous acceleration in development and adoption of clean-energy technologies.
Research and Private Sector Participation
Scientific institutions, teaching institutions, universities, and StartUps are actively contributing to India's emerging technology ecosystem, with the startup ecosystem growing from around 350 startups to almost 2.4 lakh, ranking India third globally. Dr. Singh emphasized greater private sector participation in technology and innovation, noting the government cannot undertake everything alone. The ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund has been introduced to accelerate private participation in research and development, incentivizing the private sector to participate in new and emerging areas.
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation envisages greater non-government participation, with approximately 50-60% of resources expected from non-government sources, which is necessary for India to remain globally competitive. The Minister observed that skepticism between public and private sectors has declined, and both sides have learned to work together, requiring collective efforts from government, industry, and other stakeholders to achieve ambitious national targets.