Brazil: In a powerful demonstration of leadership and vision, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, led the Indian delegation at the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil, on May 19, 2025. The high-level meeting, organized under Brazil’s BRICS Presidency, convened energy ministers from the five member nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to discuss strategic cooperation and sustainable energy development.
With a central theme of “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” the meeting underscored the importance of equitable energy transitions, technology sharing, and inclusive growth within the BRICS framework.
India’s Strong Pitch for Equitable and Sustainable Energy Future
Shri Manohar Lal, in his address, framed energy security, access, and affordability as core pillars of global stability and sustainable development. He emphasized the urgency of strengthening BRICS cooperation to address shared challenges—ranging from climate change to energy poverty—while ensuring technological neutrality and respecting each nation’s energy transition choices.
He lauded Brazil’s Presidency for advancing Global South interests and reaffirmed India’s commitment to an inclusive global energy governance system that supports the developmental aspirations of all.
India’s Clean Energy Achievements Spotlighted
India showcased an impressive suite of clean energy milestones that reflect its growing leadership in global energy transformation:
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Electricity Capacity Growth: A 90% increase over the past decade has elevated India’s total capacity to 475 GW in 2025, with a bold target of 900 GW by 2032.
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Renewables Leadership: Now the world’s third-largest producer of solar and wind energy, India continues rapid expansion in renewables.
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Biofuel Transition: Achieved 20% ethanol blending, promoting low-carbon transport and emissions reduction.
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Smart Infrastructure: Investments in smart grids, advanced metering, and transmission expansion, including the Green Energy Corridor.
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Green Hydrogen & Nuclear Goals: Ambitious plans for 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 and accelerated efforts in green hydrogen development.
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Carbon Credit Market: Launched a domestic carbon trading platform, inviting international collaboration.
He also highlighted India’s leadership in the Global Biofuels Alliance, pushing forward international partnerships in bio-energy and sustainability.
Support for Technological Innovation and Fossil Fuel Transition
Acknowledging that fossil fuels remain a vital part of the global energy mix, especially for developing economies, Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the need for cleaner and more efficient fossil fuel technologies. He urged collaboration on coal gasification, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and green chemical innovations to support cleaner energy without undermining development.
India to Host BRICS Energy Meet in 2026
In a significant gesture of leadership continuity, Shri Manohar Lal invited BRICS member nations to India for the next Energy Ministers’ Gathering in 2026. This reinforces India’s intent to steer energy dialogues for the Global South and strengthen multilateral cooperation under its upcoming Chairship.
Key Outcomes from the BRICS Energy Ministerial Communiqué
The joint communiqué issued after the meeting reflects a unified stance on energy security, development goals, and inclusive transitions:
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Commitment to SDG 7: Reaffirmation of goals related to universal energy access, clean cooking solutions, and the eradication of energy poverty.
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Balanced Transitions: Emphasis on just, inclusive, and technologically neutral energy transitions aligned with climate goals and the CBDR-RC principle (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities).
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Open Energy Markets: Strong support for open, fair, and non-discriminatory international energy markets.
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Local Currencies in Trade: Encouragement of local currency use in energy trade to reduce dependence on dominant financial systems.
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BRICS Energy Roadmap 2025–2030: Recognition of the updated energy cooperation roadmap and reaffirmation of each country’s sovereign right to determine their energy transition pathway.
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Sustainable Financing: Call for increased concessional and low-cost financing from developed to developing countries, with a strong role envisioned for the New Development Bank (NDB).
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Transparency in Carbon Metrics: Push for consistent and transparent carbon intensity assessments, and mutual recognition of energy classifications and taxonomies.
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Energy Efficiency and Resilience: Reiterated goal to double energy efficiency by 2030, while underlining the need for resilient infrastructure and diversified energy sources, including critical minerals for clean technology.
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Elevating BRICS Energy Cooperation: A commitment to enhance knowledge sharing, cross-border collaboration, and global influence of BRICS in the energy sector under India’s 2026 Chairship.
Conclusion
India’s strategic presence at the 2025 BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting reinforces its growing role as a champion for inclusive, green, and balanced energy governance. The announcements and deliberations pave the way for greater South-South energy cooperation, promote energy justice, and set the tone for a robust Indian Chairship in 2026.
As global energy dynamics shift and sustainability becomes the cornerstone of development, BRICS—anchored by India’s proactive leadership—aims to shape an energy future that is clean, equitable, and collaborative.
For more details check the press release at PIB website.
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