'Like Sachin and Vaibhav rolled in one': Union Minister Pralhad Joshi draws cricket analogy to praise India's clean energy growth at Times Now Sustainability Conclave 2026

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said India's rapid progress in the clean energy sector is receiving global recognition. Speaking at the Times Now Sustainability Conclave 2026, the minister referred to a remark by Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), who compared India's clean energy journey to a combination of cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Quoting Stiell, Joshi said, "India's clean energy growth is like Sachin Tendulkar and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rolled in one. A stellar record, but the story is not just getting started."

The minister clarified that the comparison came from the UN climate chief and not from him.

"I have not told this, sir. UNFCCC ka jo director hai, unhone bataya hai," Joshi said.

Highlighting India's progress, Joshi said the country has already achieved one of its major climate commitments ahead of schedule.

"We have committed to securing 60 per cent and we have done it in 2025 itself, five years in advance," he said, adding that India has also pledged to reduce its emission intensity by 47% by 2035.

The minister expressed confidence that India would soon cross another milestone in renewable energy capacity.

"By the end of this month, I am confident our country will achieve 300 gigawatt... Today it is 297.36," he said.

Joshi also noted that India's installed non-fossil fuel power capacity has now surpassed the total installed electricity capacity of several developed countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Canada.

Speaking about future plans, he said India is investing heavily in battery storage, wind and solar energy, while also expanding into emerging technologies.

"India was second largest in terms of battery addition last year. We are investing heavily in battery storage system, with the strong focus on wind, solar storage system. Results will be seen soon, and it will lead to taking the cost of electricity down," he said.

The minister also highlighted India's first hydrogen-powered train, saying it reflects the country's focus on next-generation clean transport.

"The hydrogen-powered train places India among the select group of nations investing in next-generation clean transportation technologies. Today, India is not just the world's fastest-growing major economy. India is becoming the world's most trusted growth story," he added.

Joshi further said India's economy has remained resilient despite global uncertainties and expressed confidence that the country will continue making rapid progress towards its long-term clean energy goals under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

The remarks were made during the Adani Presents Times Network Sustainability Conclave 2026, co-powered by MAHATRANSCO, which was held under the theme "India 2035: A Self-Reliant Nation". The conclave brought together policymakers, business leaders and sustainability experts to discuss India's clean energy ambitions, climate commitments and the country's roadmap towards becoming a self-reliant and sustainable economy by 2035.

The discussions focused on turning policy into action, with sessions covering key areas such as renewable energy, green financing, technological innovation and the role of citizens in supporting India's long-term sustainability and energy transition goals.