Context:

India has reaffirmed its commitment to the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and its global solar deployment agenda, even as the United States announced its withdrawal from the alliance as part of a broader exit from several international organisations. India’s position reflects its continued focus on renewable energy leadership, climate diplomacy, and sustainable development cooperation.

About the International Solar Alliance (ISA):

• • • Formation: The ISA was launched in 2015 by India and France at the COP21 Summit in Paris as a collaborative platform to accelerate global solar energy adoption.
    • Headquarters: It is the first international intergovernmental organisation headquartered in India, located at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) campus in Gurugram, Haryana.
    • Legal Status: ISA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation operating under a Framework Agreement and registered with the United Nations.

Core Mandate and the “Towards 1000” Strategy:

• • • The ISA seeks to expand energy access, enhance energy security, and drive the global energy transition through solar power. Its strategic roadmap, the “Towards 1000” strategy, sets ambitious targets for 2030:
      • 1,000 GW: Global solar capacity to be installed.
      • USD 1,000 billion: Investment to be mobilised for solar solutions.
      • 1,000 million people: Beneficiaries of clean energy access.
      • 1,000 million tonnes: Annual CO₂ emissions to be mitigated.
    • This vision anchors ISA’s programmes and partnerships to scale deployment, reduce costs, and expand inclusive energy access.

Governance Structure:

• • • ISA’s governance framework blends member-driven decision-making with operational leadership:
      • ISA Assembly: The apex decision-making body comprising representatives of all member countries, meeting annually to set strategic direction and review progress.

Membership Status:

• • • Global Reach: ISA has over 125 signatories and a large number of ratified members, reflecting broad international engagement.
    • Eligibility: Initially limited to “sun-rich” countries between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, a 2020 amendment expanded eligibility to all UN member states.
    • Recent Expansion: Moldova became the 107th full member in August 2025, demonstrating ISA’s growing appeal.
    • UN Observer Status: The UN General Assembly granted ISA observer status in 2021, strengthening its role in global climate governance.

Key Initiatives under ISA:

ISA’s programmes focus on deployment, finance, and capacity building:

• • • One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG): A vision for a globally interconnected renewable energy grid.
    • STAR-C (Solar Technology Application Resource Centre): A network for training, research, and technical capacity enhancement.
    • Global Solar Facility (GSF): Designed to de-risk solar investments in underserved regions, particularly in Africa.
    • SUNRISE Network: Launched in 2025 to promote solar waste recycling, innovation, and circularity.

Significance of India’s Support for ISA:

• • • Leadership in Global Solar Cooperation: India’s continued backing of ISA reinforces its role as a leading voice in renewable energy diplomacy, especially among developing countries.
    • Climate Commitment: India’s stance signals a strong commitment to energy transition and climate goals despite shifting geopolitical dynamics.
    • Strategic Continuity: By sustaining momentum within ISA, India seeks to secure investment flows, technology partnerships, and capacity building essential for achieving domestic and global solar targets.