India has emerged as the world’s second-largest solar growth market after surpassing the United States in annual solar capacity additions during 2025. The achievement highlights the country’s rapid progress in clean energy development and strengthens its position as one of the leading nations in the global renewable energy sector.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced the milestone on Wednesday. According to government data and the latest report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India added more than 37 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2025. During the same period, the United States added 34 GW. This helped India move ahead of the US in annual solar capacity additions and secure the second position globally.

Sharing the achievement on X, Joshi said, “India’s solar growth story is setting global benchmarks. In 2025, India surpassed the US in annual solar capacity additions to become the world’s 2nd largest solar growth market. As the fastest-growing major solar market, India is driving record capacity additions through strong policy support, innovation and world-class infrastructure.”

He further added, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, India’s #CleanEnergy transition is accelerating, strengthening energy security, advancing sustainable development and reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in #RenewableEnergy. #IndiaRanks2InSolar.”

Government officials said the latest IRENA report confirms India’s strong performance in the solar sector. The report shows that India’s solar capacity addition crossed 37 GW in 2025, while the US recorded 34 GW. This growth has enabled India to become the second-largest solar growth market in the world.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav also welcomed the development. In a post on X, he said, “India has emerged as the world’s 2nd-largest solar market, overtaking the US in annual solar capacity additions in 2025. This achievement reflects the nation’s rapid clean energy growth helping ensure efficient, reliable, and sustainable solar infrastructure.”

The achievement comes at a time when India is steadily improving its global standing in renewable energy. Earlier this year, on April 9, Hindustan Times reported that India had become the third-largest country in the world in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. The ranking was based on Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 released by IRENA.

At that time, Pralhad Joshi stated that India had moved ahead of Brazil in the global rankings. The statistics released by the international agency were based on data available up to December 2025. According to the minister, India added a total of 55.3 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity during the financial year 2025–26.

China continues to lead the world in overall renewable energy installed capacity with 2,258.02 GW. The United States remains in second place with 467.92 GW. India follows in third position with a total renewable energy capacity of 250.52 GW. Brazil ranks fourth with 228.20 GW, while Germany occupies the fifth position with 199.92 GW of installed renewable energy capacity.

The government believes that India’s strong performance is the result of consistent policy support, large-scale infrastructure development and increasing investments in renewable energy projects. The rapid expansion of solar energy is also helping the country improve energy security and reduce dependence on conventional sources of power.

Joshi also highlighted another significant milestone achieved by the country in 2025. He noted that in July 2025, India recorded its highest-ever share of renewable energy in electricity generation. During that month, renewable sources met 51.5% of the country’s total electricity demand of 203 GW. The figure marked an important step in India’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy generation.

The latest solar growth figures underline India’s expanding role in the global renewable energy landscape. With record solar additions, rising renewable capacity and increasing clean energy generation, the country continues to strengthen its position as a major player in the global shift towards sustainable energy.