• India along with BRICS countries has called for increased concessional and low-cost financing from developed nations to help emerging nations transition towards low-carbon energy usage.

• The meeting was held under the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’.

• Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal led a delegation for the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil on May 19.

• Highlighting India’s achievements in the energy sector over the past decade, the minister said the country has increased its electricity capacity by 90 per cent to reach 475 GW in 2025 and aims to achieve 900 GW by 2032.

• The country has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer of solar and wind energy and continues to make steady progress toward its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

• Besides, India is launching a domestic carbon credit market, and invites interested players from across the globe for collaborations.

Key outcomes of the meeting:

• The BRICS Energy Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening energy security and advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), focusing on universal electricity access, clean cooking, and tackling energy poverty. 

• They emphasized the need for just, inclusive, and balanced energy transitions in response to climate change.

• Affirming each country’s right to determine its own energy transition path and pace, the ministers advocated efficient use of all energy sources and called for increased concessional and low-cost financing from developed to developing nations.

• The energy ministers also highlighted the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in promoting sustainable energy infrastructure, especially through local currency financing.

• They called for stronger partnerships, supported open, fair, and non-discriminatory international energy markets, and encouraged the use of local currencies in energy trade.

• The ministers also advocated for the adoption of fair, transparent, and consistent guidelines for assessing carbon intensity, energy classification, and mutual recognition of taxonomies and certifications.

• Underscoring energy security as vital for socio-economic development, they highlighted the importance of market stability, resilient infrastructure, diversified energy sources, and critical minerals for clean technologies.

• They reaffirmed the goal to double energy efficiency by 2030 and emphasized enhanced cooperation and knowledge sharing among BRICS nations. 

• Lastly, they committed to elevating BRICS’ global energy role and advancing shared priorities under India’s Chairship in 2026.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)