Editor's Note: India’s Solar Journey is Powering its Green Future

For the better part of the past two decades, India has grown under the developmental shadow of China. Despite our economy expanding at an impressive pace—averaging 6.3% annually between 2000 and 2023—it was never seen as enough.

The comparison with China was inevitable. Their scale was overwhelming—higher GDP growth, rapid poverty reduction and an unmatched manufacturing footprint. For the longest time, we didn’t believe we could come close. Until now.

There is one area where India is no longer the underdog—solar energy. Since 2010, India has added over 100GW of solar power to its production capacity. In February, this number stood at 102.6GW. What once seemed like an overly ambitious dream is today a functioning reality. Even more impressive is the economics: thanks to sustained policy support, the cost of solar energy has dropped from Rs 10 per unit to around Rs 2.5 per unit—making it competitive with coal-based power.

The government now has plans to take this figure to nearly 300GW in the next five years. This is not just a number; it is a generational commitment. If India meets this target, we will be handing over to our children not only energy security but also a planet worth inheriting.

Our cover story this month dives deep into this bold solar odyssey—examining where we’ve come from, what lies ahead and why it matters now more than ever. To symbolise this journey, we invited six-year-old illustrator Taranjeet Kaur to imagine the future through her eyes. The result is a striking cover that reflects both innocence and hope—what a child wishes for, and what a nation must deliver.

This month, we are also proud to launch a new section titled Nash Equilibria. It will feature original research and insight from India’s top economists, bridging the often wide gap between academic rigour and public discourse. We believe this platform will offer fresh perspectives grounded in data, yet accessible to all readers who are curious about the forces shaping India’s economic future.

Additionally, we bring you an exclusive 10-page feature on our flagship event C3 (Climate, Circularity, Community), which celebrates sustainability leadership among India’s MSMEs. From green finance to the circular economy, the event brought together innovators, thinkers and entrepreneurs building real solutions for a better tomorrow.

This issue of Outlook Business is a reflection of the spirit of Viksit Bharat—a developed India that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable.