Published: 19 February 2026Business Standard / Tribune India / Energy Live News / Down to EarthEnvironment
India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce Launched Under Vision 2035; ₹7,453 Crore VGF Approved for Gujarat and Tamil Nadu Projects
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy jointly launched the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce on February 18, 2026, under the framework of the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue. UK British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron was also present at the launch.
Minister Joshi described the taskforce as a 'Trustforce' — a symbol of strategic clean energy cooperation between the two nations. The taskforce will provide strategic leadership and coordination for developing India's offshore wind energy ecosystem. Promising zones for early development have been identified off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, with grid planning and technical studies undertaken by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE).
To catalyse offshore wind deployment, the Government of India has approved a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme worth ₹7,453 crore (approximately £710 million). India has crossed 272 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity — comprising 141 GW solar and 55 GW wind — as of 2026. The offshore wind initiative forms a critical part of India's target to achieve 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Rajasthan, while being an inland state, is indirectly impacted as national clean energy targets shape state-level power procurement obligations and the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation's (RREC) strategic roadmap.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss how the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce advances India's 500 GW renewable energy target under Vision 2035.
Answer (50 words):
On February 18, 2026, India and UK launched the Offshore Wind Taskforce under Vision 2035, identifying zones off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The Government approved a ₹7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding scheme. India has crossed 272 GW non-fossil capacity (141 GW solar, 55 GW wind), targeting 500 GW by 2030.
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Linked questionMedium
India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce was launched under which vision framework?
Explanation · Correct answer CIndia-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce was launched under Vision 2035 with ₹7,453 crore VGF support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce and when was it launched?
The India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce was launched on February 18, 2026, under the India-UK Vision 2035 strategic partnership. It aims to facilitate technology transfer, investment, and joint R&D in offshore wind energy between the two countries.
What is VGF and how much was approved for offshore wind projects in India?
VGF stands for Viability Gap Funding, a government grant to make financially unviable but economically important projects commercially viable. ₹7,453 crore in VGF was approved for offshore wind projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu as part of India's renewable energy push.
What is India's renewable energy capacity target by 2030?
India targets 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. As of early 2026, India has already achieved 272 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity.
Which Indian states will benefit from the approved offshore wind VGF?
Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are the two states that will benefit from the ₹7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding approved for offshore wind projects. Both states have favorable coastal geography for offshore wind energy generation.
What is the India-UK Vision 2035, and why is it relevant for RPSC RAS preparation?
India-UK Vision 2035 is a long-term strategic partnership framework between India and the United Kingdom covering trade, energy, and technology cooperation. For RPSC RAS aspirants, it is relevant to questions on India's foreign policy, bilateral relations, and renewable energy strategy — all key topics in General Studies Paper II.
