India IEA Membership: India is on the verge of becoming a full member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), as confirmed by Fatih Birol, the executive director of the IEA, during a press conference on February 19, 2026. This announcement follows the agency’s ministerial meeting held in Paris.
Currently an association member, India is set to deepen its institutional ties with the IEA alongside other countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam. The IEA, which includes key member governments like the United States, Japan, Germany, the UK, Canada, France, and Australia, is expanding cooperation on critical minerals through its Critical Minerals Security Programme.
Birol stated, ‘India’s membership is in its final stages,’ highlighting a major advancement in global energy governance. This move will increase the IEA’s share of global energy use to over 80%, a significant rise from less than 40% a decade ago.
The IEA’s ministerial meeting reaffirmed its role in energy security, emphasizing the importance of energy transitions to combat climate change. While the US expressed dissatisfaction with the IEA’s climate change advocacy, the organization remains focused on energy security, efficiency, and renewable energy.
In addition, a special declaration was made to expand cooperation under the IEA Critical Minerals Security Programme, addressing risks to global mineral supply chains. This initiative aims to diversify mineral supply chains and enhance resilience to supply shocks.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 20th, 2026
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