India Sees Clean Energy and Climate Action as Growth Boost, Says Vice-President at Bharat Climate Forum

India Sees Clean Energy and Climate Action as Growth Boost, Says Vice-President at Bharat Climate Forum

January 9, 2026

India can turn climate action into a strong driver for renewable energy growth, economic expansion and energy security, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan said at the inaugural session of the Bharat Climate Forum 2026 held in the capital on January 9, framing climate change response as a strategic growth enabler rather than a hurdle. He outlined how embracing clean technologies and renewable energy solutions will help build a resilient, future-ready economy. 

Addressing leaders from government, industry and civil society, Radhakrishnan emphasized that India’s tradition of living in harmony with nature lays a strong foundation for contemporary sustainability efforts, and that climate action now aligns with national development goals. He highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic clean-technology manufacturing especially in renewable energy, energy storage, green hydrogen, electric mobility and climate-smart agriculture  as central to India’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and bolster energy independence. 

Pointing to India’s commitments under the Panchamrit pledge at COP-26 and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, the Vice-President said these targets are ambitious but attainable with innovation and investment, particularly in solar module production, battery plants and other cleantech sectors. He praised efforts to develop a national platform for climate dialogue and action, and stressed that collaborative global partnerships including leadership roles in the International Solar Alliance and other multilateral initiatives are key to scaling renewable energy solutions and enhancing resilience against climate impacts. 

Radhakrishnan also underscored that climate action supports inclusive growth and energy security, and called for reinforcing supply chains and building a skilled workforce to sustain clean energy expansion. The forum brought together policymakers, industry players and experts to focus on delivering actionable strategies for accelerating renewable energy adoption and low-carbon technologies across sectors.