At the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior policymakers, Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers from all 28 states focused on energy security, competitive electricity pricing, manufacturing growth, and human development priorities amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, including tensions in West Asia.

Briefing the media after the meeting, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri said India was actively playing its role in the West Asia crisis but “cannot be paralysed” by external developments. He emphasized that the country must maintain its development trajectory and continue prioritising economic growth despite global instability.

The high-level discussions placed strong emphasis on ensuring affordable and competitive energy prices to support industrial expansion and long-term economic resilience. Several Chief Ministers, along with the Prime Minister, reportedly discussed policy measures aimed at reducing electricity costs and improving energy efficiency to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

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A key focus area was the expansion of renewable and distributed energy systems, particularly rooftop solar installations across schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. Participants also reviewed subsidy structures and long-term sustainability models to ensure wider adoption without placing excessive fiscal burden on state governments.

Nuclear energy emerged as another important theme during the deliberations, with policymakers highlighting its growing relevance in India’s diversified energy strategy. NITI Aayog Member Abhay Karandikar noted increasing private sector participation in the nuclear ecosystem following recent policy changes, alongside rising electricity demand driven by sectors such as data centres and advanced manufacturing.

The meeting also underscored the importance of next-generation manufacturing and skill development as central pillars of India’s economic roadmap. Officials highlighted concerns raised by industry regarding skilled workforce shortages and stressed the need for demand-driven training programmes aligned with market requirements. NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba added that recent discussions have become increasingly focused on measurable outcomes in human development, particularly in health and education sectors.

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