India today hosted the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, Haryana, under its BRICS Chairship 2026. The Ministry of Power said that the meeting brought together Energy Ministers, Vice Ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries to discuss key global energy challenges and strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. It added that the meeting concluded with the adoption of the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Joint Communiqué, reaffirming cooperation in energy security, sustainability, innovation, resilient infrastructure and capacity building.

 

Addressing the meeting, Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal said energy remains fundamental to economic growth, social progress and human development. He emphasised that developing countries need adequate time, resources and policy space to pursue sustainable development while meeting the aspirations of their people. The Minister also underlined the importance of respecting national circumstances, development priorities and energy transition pathways. Highlighting India’s energy transformation, the Minister said the country has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer and consumer of electricity, with an installed power capacity of nearly 540 gigawatts. He noted that non-fossil fuel sources account for more than half of the installed capacity, while solar power capacity has increased from around 3 gigawatts in 2014 to over 154 gigawatts.

 

The Ministry further said that a major outcome of India’s BRICS Chairship was the launch of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage under the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform. It added that the meeting also adopted the BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage and appreciated progress in finalising the BRICS Joint Report on Hydrogen Value Chains 2026 to strengthen cooperation in emerging energy technologies.