Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, led the Indian delegation at the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília on 19 May 2025, under Brazil’s presidency.
During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that energy security remains one of the most critical challenges of our time. He called for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations to ensure economic stability, global sustainability, and equitable access to energy resources.
Reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to a sustainable and inclusive energy future, Manohar Lal commended Brazil’s leadership under the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” He underscored that energy access, security, and affordability are vital components of global development.
Highlighting India’s rapid strides in the energy sector, the Minister shared key milestones, including:
- A 90% increase in electricity generation capacity over the past decade, reaching 475 GW in 2025, with a goal of 900 GW by 2032
- Emergence as the world’s third-largest producer of solar and wind energy
- Steady progress toward achieving India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Attaining a 20% ethanol blending target, pushing forward the biofuels agenda
- Investments in smart grids, advanced metering, and the Green Energy Corridor
- Ambitious targets for green hydrogen and nuclear energy, including a 100 GW nuclear capacity goal by 2047
- Launch of a domestic Carbon Credit Market to encourage global collaboration
Manohar Lal also highlighted India’s leadership in energy efficiency through initiatives such as the Energy Conservation Sustainable Buildings Code, rooftop solar expansion, and standards for energy-efficient appliances.
Recognizing the continued relevance of fossil fuels—particularly for developing economies—he advocated for cleaner and more efficient technologies, including coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and green chemical processes. He also reiterated the importance of global cooperation in this space.
The Minister further emphasized the role of the Global Biofuels Alliance in fostering international collaboration and innovation in the biofuels sector.
As the meeting concluded, Manohar Lal extended an invitation to BRICS nations to attend the next BRICS Energy Gathering, set to be hosted by India in 2026. He reiterated India’s commitment to advancing a unified energy vision for the Global South.
Key Takeaways from the Joint BRICS Energy Communiqué:
- BRICS Energy Ministers reaffirmed their shared goal of strengthening energy security and achieving SDG 7, which focuses on universal electricity access, clean cooking, and eliminating energy poverty.
- Acknowledging the transitional role of fossil fuels, especially for developing nations, they committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while respecting the principles of technological neutrality and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
- The communiqué stressed the importance of open and fair international energy markets and encouraged the use of local currencies in energy trade.
- Ministers endorsed the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform and welcomed the updated BRICS Roadmap for Energy Cooperation (2025–2030) as a framework for deeper collaboration.
- Each nation’s sovereign right to shape its energy transition path and pace was affirmed, with a call for increased concessional and low-cost finance for developing countries.
- The role of the New Development Bank (NDB) was highlighted as essential in financing sustainable energy infrastructure, especially through local currency mechanisms.
- Ministers advocated for transparent and equitable frameworks to assess carbon intensity, energy classifications, and recognition of sustainability certifications.
- The importance of energy security for economic development was reiterated, with a focus on infrastructure resilience, diversified energy sources, and access to critical minerals for clean technologies.
- A collective commitment was made to double energy efficiency by 2030 and to strengthen knowledge exchange among BRICS nations.
Looking ahead to 2026, BRICS nations pledged to elevate their global role in the energy sector, supporting shared priorities under India’s upcoming Chairship.
