Permanent Mission of India
New York

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Interactive Dialogue 2: SDG 7 and Interlinkages with Other SDGs –
Affordable and Clean Energy

Statement by Ms. Petal Gahlot, First Secretary
7 July 2026 

Thank you, Mr. President.

Energy is not only an SDG in itself; it is an enabler of nearly every aspect of sustainable development. Expanding affordable, reliable and clean energy is essential for industrialisation, livelihoods, health, education and poverty eradication.

India has expanded energy access while rapidly increasing renewable energy capacity through initiatives such as the National Solar Mission, large-scale renewable energy deployment, LED efficiency programmes and clean cooking initiatives. Digital technologies have also improved energy distribution and service delivery.

Internationally, India has worked with partners through the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuels Alliance and bilateral development partnerships to strengthen energy access, capacity-building and technology cooperation, particularly across the Global South.

Mr. President,

Accelerating SDG 7 requires an enabling international environment. Developing countries cannot be expected to undertake ambitious energy transitions without adequate access to affordable finance, technology and investment. International cooperation should therefore strengthen national development strategies while ensuring that existing commitments on means of implementation are honoured. I thank you.

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