India’s huge solar uptake has boosted climate goals, says minister

Indian foreign secretary says price and popularity of renewables behind Modi's 2070 net zero target

The staggering take-up of solar power in India has enabled the prime minister, Narendra Modi, to announce a more ambitious climate plan at the Cop26 conference in Glasgow, according to the country's foreign secretary.

India's commitment to get half of its energy from renewables and to reach net zero by 2070 was arguably the most positive news from the opening phase of the UN gathering.