Days after directing Union Cabinet colleagues to explore alternative energy sources beyond conventional fuels amid the Iran crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said sectors associated with clean energy, critical minerals, green hydrogen and sustainable manufacturing are advancing rapidly, and that partnerships in these areas are opening the doors to a new economy and new opportunities.
Addressing newly appointed recruits in various government departments, to whom he virtually distributed 51,000 appointment letters, Modi said the sector-specific agreements and dialogues held during his recent five-nation tour would, in the long run, create employment opportunities and provide global exposure for India’s youth.
The Prime Minister highlighted discussions on semiconductors, water, agriculture and advanced manufacturing with the Netherlands; cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital innovation with Sweden; green technology and maritime cooperation with Norway; MoUs on strategic energy and technology partnerships with the UAE; and agreements on defence, critical minerals and science and technology with Italy.
Highlighting the rapid growth of clean energy, critical minerals, green hydrogen and sustainable manufacturing as sectors of immense opportunity, Modi said India’s growing collaboration with Sweden, Norway and Italy in green transition and sustainable technology would strengthen the country’s position in the clean manufacturing industries of the future.
“These partnerships are opening the doors to a new economy and new opportunities,” he said.
The PM’s emphasis on clean energy assumes significance amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has triggered a cooking gas shortage in the country and led to a spike in petrol and diesel prices, which have risen by Rs 5 over the past 10 days.
During a Union Cabinet meeting on May 21, Modi urged ministers to urgently explore alternative energy sources. He called for examining energy options beyond conventional fuels and also advocated biogas as a substitute for LPG cooking gas.
