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9 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
International RelationsEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

India Reaffirms Commitment to International Solar Alliance Amid US Withdrawal

India will continue supporting solar energy goals despite U.S. withdrawal from ISA.

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India Reaffirms Commitment to International Solar Alliance Amid US Withdrawal

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Despite the U.S. decision to withdraw from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India has affirmed its commitment to the organization and its goals of promoting solar adoption and energy transition. The U.S.

withdrawal, part of a broader move to disengage from international organizations deemed "wasteful," will not deter India from working with ISA's 125 member countries. India emphasizes the ISA's success in supporting national pipelines, regulatory frameworks, and market creation for solar energy in over 95 countries, aiming to unlock $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.

Visual Insights

International Solar Alliance (ISA) Member Countries

Shows the geographical distribution of ISA member countries, highlighting the 'sunshine countries' and the location of the ISA headquarters in Gurugram, India. The map also indicates the location of the US, which withdrew from the ISA in 2024.

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📍India📍United States

Quick Revision

1.

ISA members: 125 countries

2.

Investment target: $1 trillion by 2030

3.

ISA established: 2015

Key Dates

2015 - ISA conceptualized

Key Numbers

125 - ISA member countries$1 trillion - Investment target by 2030

Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: International Organizations

2.

GS Paper III: Energy, Environment

3.

Potential for questions on India's role in global climate action

More Information

Background

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) traces its origins to the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) in 2015, where India and France jointly launched the initiative. The vision was to create a coalition of solar-resource-rich countries to address their special energy needs and provide a platform to collaborate on achieving their renewable energy goals. The initial focus was on countries lying wholly or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, but the scope was later expanded to include all UN member states.

The ISA Secretariat was established in India, with the Indian government offering land and financial support. The alliance aimed to reduce the cost of solar technology and mobilize over $1 trillion in investments by 2030.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the ISA has focused on expanding its membership and deepening its engagement with member countries. Several initiatives have been launched to promote solar energy deployment, including the development of common standards, risk mitigation mechanisms, and innovative financing instruments. The 'One Sun One World One Grid' (OSOWOG) initiative, championed by India, aims to create a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources.

The ISA has also been actively involved in capacity building and knowledge sharing, providing technical assistance to member countries in developing their solar energy projects. Looking ahead, the ISA aims to play a crucial role in accelerating the global energy transition and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the International Solar Alliance (ISA): 1. All member states of the United Nations are eligible to join the ISA. 2. The ISA Secretariat is headquartered in Gurugram, India. 3. The 'One Sun One World One Grid' (OSOWOG) initiative is directly managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The OSOWOG initiative is championed by India and is not directly managed by UNEP.

2. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the 'One Sun One World One Grid' (OSOWOG) initiative?

  • A.To establish a global nuclear energy grid.
  • B.To create a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources.
  • C.To promote the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation.
  • D.To limit the development of renewable energy in developing countries.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The OSOWOG initiative aims to create a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources, particularly solar energy.

3. Assertion (A): The International Solar Alliance (ISA) aims to mobilize over $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030. Reason (R): Increased solar energy adoption can contribute significantly to mitigating climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The ISA's investment target is directly linked to the potential of solar energy in addressing climate change.

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