India and the United Kingdom Launch Offshore Wind Task Force to Accelerate Clean Energy Cooperation

On February 18, 2026, India and the United Kingdom officially established a joint Offshore Wind Task Force. This strategic body is designed to provide essential guidance and coordination for India’s rapidly evolving offshore wind energy ecosystem. This high-level partnership is specifically focused on navigating the practical complexities of project implementation, representing a vital step toward achieving India’s ambitious renewable energy targets.

The collaboration seeks to combine the United Kingdom’s extensive experience in scaling mature supply chains with India’s vast market potential and its increasing demand for sustainable energy. Launched under the "Vision 2035" framework and the Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue, the initiative is organized around three primary pillars: ecosystem planning and market design, which includes seabed leasing and revenue guarantees; infrastructure and supply chain development, covering port upgrades and local manufacturing; and financing and de-risking, with a focus on mobilizing institutional capital. India’s Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, referred to this mechanism as the "Trustforce," highlighting the mutual confidence inherent in the alliance.

This partnership directly supports India’s national goals, including the target of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and the commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. India has already surpassed 272 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity, with current solar capacity exceeding 141 GW and wind power at 55 GW. To encourage early-stage deployment, a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism worth 7,453 crore rupees—approximately 710 million pounds sterling—has been approved. India’s total offshore wind potential is estimated at 71 gigawatts along its coastline.

Against the backdrop of global trends, where the worldwide offshore wind market is expected to surpass 100 GW of installed capacity by mid-2026, the timing of this initiative is particularly apt. The United Kingdom, a recognized leader in the field, set a record in January 2026 by securing 8.4 GW of new offshore wind projects through its "Contracts for Difference" (CfD) auction, aiming for a total of 40 GW by 2030. Simultaneously, China successfully connected the world’s first 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine to its grid in February 2026, underscoring the global drive for advanced technology. In India, initial studies have identified promising zones for the country's first offshore projects off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

The success of these offshore wind initiatives is expected to significantly enhance India’s energy security while contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts. High-ranking officials participated in the discussions, including UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron. This collaborative mechanism is intended to ensure the reliability and stability of the Indian power grid during the next phase of its energy transition.

By fostering a robust environment for investment and innovation, the India-UK Task Force aims to transform the offshore wind sector into a cornerstone of the regional economy. The focus on local manufacturing and port modernization not only addresses energy needs but also promises to create high-skilled jobs and stimulate industrial growth. As the two nations work in tandem, this alliance serves as a model for international cooperation in the pursuit of a decarbonized future.