International Solar Alliance : India’s Leadership in Clean Energy Transition

Context

India is set to host the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly from October 27–30, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Assembly will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to strengthen international cooperation in solar energy and reinforce India’s role in the global clean energy transition.

About the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

What is ISA?

A global intergovernmental organisation that promotes the deployment of solar energy worldwide.
Ensures energy access, energy security, and climate resilience, particularly for developing and vulnerable nations.
Acts as a collaborative platform for governments, industries, and financial institutions to accelerate solar adoption.
Launched: 2015
Origin: Joint initiative of India and France during the COP21 Climate Summit in Paris.
Headquarters: Gurugram, India — the first international organisation headquartered in India.

Membership

124 member and signatory countries (as of 2025).
Over 90 full members actively engaged.
Membership opened to all UN member states after the 2020 framework amendment.

Aims & Targets

Mobilise USD 1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.
Provide clean energy access to 1 billion people.
Install 1,000 GW of solar capacity globally.
Focus on low-cost, sustainable, and equitable energy systems for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Key Functions

1. Policy & Advocacy

Supports governments in framing solar-friendly policies.
Publishes Ease of Doing Solar analytics and annual solar investment reports.

2. Programmatic Support

Implements solar projects in agriculture, health, transport, and energy sectors.
Replicates successful Indian models such as PM-KUSUM (solar pumps) and PM Surya Ghar (rooftop solar homes) in Africa and island nations.

3. Financing Mechanisms

Operates the Africa Solar Facility (Ahmedabad-based) to provide risk guarantees.
Aims to attract private capital for solar mini-grids and pumps.
Plans to leverage USD 200 million by 2026 to mobilise USD 2–4 billion in investments.

4. Capacity Building

Runs Solar Technology and Application Resource Centres (STAR-C).
Provides training to engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in solar technologies.

5. Knowledge & Collaboration

Works with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development finance institutions (DFIs), private sector, and civil society.
Promotes data sharing, innovation, and technology transfer to make solar energy affordable and scalable.

Conclusion

The upcoming 8th ISA Assembly in New Delhi will reinforce India’s leadership in renewable energy diplomacy. By mobilising large-scale investments, expanding solar capacity, and promoting equitable access, the ISA is emerging as a key driver of global sustainable development and climate action.

Source : The Hindu