Energy independence has evolved from a policy preference into an economic, strategic and geopolitical necessity, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh said on Thursday. Addressing an event in New Delhi, he underlined that India’s transition towards clean and diversified energy sources is inseparably linked to self-reliance, geopolitical compatibility and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as India assumes a larger leadership role on the global stage.
Clean Energy: From Debate to Imperative
Dr Jitendra Singh noted that debates over whether to adopt green and clean energy have become redundant, with global consensus now recognising energy transition as essential for sustainable growth and resilience. “If India has to move forward, there is simply no alternative,” he said, adding that continued dependence on fossil fuels weakens long-term economic security.
He observed that even traditional energy-exporting nations are rapidly diversifying their portfolios, warning that clinging to outdated energy models would be akin to persisting with obsolete technology in a fast-changing world.
India as a Global Trendsetter: Independence
Highlighting India’s rising global stature, the Minister said the country is no longer a passive participant but a trendsetter in climate action, clean energy and advanced technologies. He cited India’s achievements in space exploration and biotechnology as examples where domestic innovation is increasingly benefiting the global community. “India is no longer following global cues; nations are now looking to India for direction,” he said.
Nuclear Energy and the Case for 24×7 Power
Reiterating India’s clean energy commitments announced by Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled the Net Zero target for 2070 and the goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. He stressed that energy sources should be evaluated based on suitability, reliability and application-specific utility, not ideological preference.
While renewables will form a substantial share of India’s energy mix, he emphasised that data centres, artificial intelligence and advanced computing require uninterrupted, stable 24×7 power, where nuclear energy plays a decisive role. “The future lies in a hybrid energy model, deploying each source where it is most efficient and cost-effective,” he said.
Integrated Energy Strategy and Bold Reforms
Drawing parallels with technological evolution, the Minister said India’s energy pathway would mature into an integrated framework combining renewables, nuclear power, hydrogen and emerging solutions—much like the balanced convergence of artificial intelligence and human intelligence.
He also highlighted the Government’s bold reforms, including opening strategic sectors such as nuclear energy and space to private participation. This public-private synergy, he said, is vital to achieving scale, speed and sustainability, while moving decisively beyond the status quo.
Collaboration as the Cornerstone
Calling for deeper trust and collaboration between the public and private sectors, Dr Jitendra Singh urged stakeholders to move beyond silos and scepticism. “National progress demands collective responsibility, shared purpose and integrated action,” he asserted, emphasising that innovation ecosystems thrive on cooperation.
Conclusion
Concluding his address, Dr Jitendra Singh said that while the energy transition presents initial challenges, India is firmly on the right path. Clean energy is no longer a subject of seminars alone; it is becoming a way of life, he said, expressing confidence that India will adapt, innovate and lead the global clean energy transition through a balanced, reliable and future-ready energy strategy.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
