Published: 18 February 2026Energy Live NewsEconomy
India-UK Launch Offshore Wind Taskforce Under Vision 2035; ₹7,453 Crore VGF Approved
India and the UK launched the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce on February 18, 2026, under the Vision 2035 framework and Fourth Energy Dialogue. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the initiative alongside UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
The Taskforce has three pillars: ecosystem planning with refined seabed leasing frameworks; infrastructure and supply chains with port modernization and local manufacturing; and financing with blended finance structures. The Indian government approved a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme of ₹7,453 crore (approx. £710 million) to support early projects. Initial development zones have been identified off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts. The initiative supports the development of an initial 37 GW offshore wind ecosystem and links to the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Mains angle
Q: Examine the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce under Vision 2035 and the role of Viability Gap Funding in unlocking offshore wind potential.
Answer (50 words): On February 19, 2026, India and UK launched the Offshore Wind Taskforce under Vision 2035 with pillars covering planning, infrastructure, and financing. India approved ₹7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding for early projects off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, targeting 70 GW potential linked to the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce launched in February 2026?
India and the UK launched the **India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce** on **February 19, 2026**, under the **Vision 2035 framework** and **Fourth Energy Dialogue**. It was launched by **Union Minister Pralhad Joshi** and **UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy**.
What are the three pillars of the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce?
The Taskforce has three pillars: (1) **Ecosystem planning** with refined seabed leasing frameworks; (2) **Infrastructure and supply chains** with port modernisation and local manufacturing; (3) **Financing** with blended finance instruments and insurance mechanisms for offshore wind projects.
What is the VGF approved for India's offshore wind sector in 2026?
The Indian government approved **₹7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF)** for offshore wind projects, addressing the cost gap that makes offshore wind more expensive than onshore. VGF bridges the gap between the high cost of offshore wind and the tariff that distribution companies can afford.
What is India's offshore wind energy target?
India's offshore wind energy target is **37 GW by 2030** as part of its broader 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 goal. India has significant offshore wind potential along its **7,500 km coastline**, particularly in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Why is the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce significant for India's clean energy transition?
The Taskforce is significant because it brings **UK expertise** (the world's largest offshore wind market) in **seabed leasing, project finance, and supply chain development** to accelerate India's nascent offshore wind sector, which faces challenges of high costs, port infrastructure gaps, and financing.
