India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav advocates for solar energy to enhance energy security for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at COP30. This initiative addresses their reliance on fossil fuels and climate vulnerabilities.

During the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit, India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called for enhanced energy security for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through solar power. He noted that these nations face significant challenges due to their dependence on imported fossil fuels and climate-related disruptions. Yadav highlighted India's rapid growth in clean energy, with over 500 gigawatts of installed capacity, half of which is non-fossil. He presented the International Solar Alliance (ISA) SIDS Platform as a means to facilitate access to solar technologies. The platform aims to create a supportive ecosystem for solar energy deployment, including financial and technical assistance. Yadav also shared examples of India's solar initiatives, such as the PM Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Programme, which empowers households and farmers. He reiterated India's commitment to the ISA, which now includes over 124 countries, and called for collective action to harness solar energy for socio-economic development and climate resilience.