Energy Security Takes Centre Stage in India-US Partnership

India and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy security, with discussions focusing on clean energy, resilient infrastructure and emerging technologies, the Ministry of Power said on Wednesday.

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright discussed the priorities under the US-India Energy Security Partnership during a bilateral meeting in Houston, held on the sidelines of the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting.

The two sides also discussed India's plans to develop power infrastructure to support artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing and data centres, along with the country's roadmap for expanding nuclear power.

India, US discuss clean energy and emerging technologies

During the meeting, Manohar Lal reiterated India's focus on diversifying energy sources, expanding clean and reliable baseload capacity and adopting emerging technologies.

The minister said India would continue to pursue a balanced and future-ready energy strategy while working with international partners to strengthen secure, sustainable and affordable energy supplies.

India's energy requirements are also being shaped by the growth of technologies such as AI, high-performance computing and data centres, which require reliable power infrastructure.

India highlights 552 GW capacity at G20 energy meeting

At the G20 Energy Abundance Working Group meetings in Houston, Manohar Lal highlighted India's progress in developing its energy system.

According to the Ministry of Power, India has 552 GW of installed power capacity, while the share of non-fossil sources has crossed 50 per cent. The minister also highlighted developments in solar power, energy storage, nuclear energy and access to clean cooking.

India also emphasised technology-neutral and inclusive approaches to energy development and international cooperation through initiatives including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

The minister also held discussions with Canada's Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Corey Hogan, on energy efficiency, low-emission technologies and offshore exploration under the Samundra Manthan scheme.

He invited Canadian companies to participate in India's expanding exploration and production sector and explore opportunities in emerging energy technologies.

The Ministry of Power said India is also working to streamline approvals and improve regulatory predictability through digital platforms such as the National Single Window System, PARIVESH and PM Gati Shakti.

Manohar Lal said faster and more efficient permitting would be important for timely infrastructure development and called for greater G20 cooperation on capacity building and regulatory modernisation.