India is set to deepen its energy partnership with the United States, a move expected to significantly boost trade and strengthen energy security. At the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal outlined key areas of cooperation, including clean energy, nuclear energy, and grid integration.
US’s Major Role in India’s Energy Security
Highlighting India’s position as a major energy player, Goyal said the country imports significant energy supplies from multiple partners, including the United States.
“In the coming years, we want to further expand trade in energy products with the US. The US will play a major role in our energy security plans, providing India with stable and diverse energy sources,” he noted.
This growing collaboration, he added, will create opportunities that extend beyond energy, fostering broader economic ties.
Cooperation on Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power was another critical area of discussion. Goyal emphasized that India and the US are working to resolve earlier technical and legal challenges in nuclear cooperation.
The US is innovating with small modular nuclear reactors.
India aims to double its nuclear power capacity in the coming years.
Pricing and cost challenges remain but solutions are being explored.
Such cooperation, Goyal said, could transform India’s energy mix and support its climate goals.
India’s Big Goal in Clean Energy – Towards 1000 GW
Goyal reiterated India’s ambitious renewable energy plan.
Current clean energy capacity: 250 GW
Target in 5 years: 550 GW
National grid capacity: 500 GW, with half from renewable sources
Long-term goal: 1,000 GW clean energy capacity
He noted that India’s unified national grid already balances demand across regions, making it attractive for American companies, particularly data centers, to invest in the country.
Emphasis on Startups and Innovation
Goyal also spotlighted India’s growing startup ecosystem as a driver of innovation in the energy sector.
“India’s talented engineers and youth are creating new solutions beyond traditional energy. This is the same direction Prime Minister Modi described as ‘convenient action’ back in 2010 when he was Gujarat’s Chief Minister,” he said.
With startups venturing into new energy technologies, India is positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and clean energy development.
Conclusion
Piyush Goyal’s remarks underline India’s determination to build a robust energy partnership with the US, spanning nuclear, renewable, and clean energy initiatives. With plans to expand capacity to 1,000 GW and resolve key bottlenecks, India is moving toward becoming a leader in global energy security while creating vast opportunities for trade and innovation.
