US exits India-backed International Solar Alliance; govt says body remains focused on mandate

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• US withdraws from India-backed International Solar Alliance
• ISA continues work with 125 member countries despite US exit
• No immediate impact on ISA's programmes or global solar cooperation

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The United States of America has withdrawn from the International Solar Alliance (ISA) an India-backed multilateral body aimed at accelerating global solar deployment, as part of a broader decision to exit 66 international organisations.

Officials in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) said the Indian government has taken note of the development. "The ISA today represents 125 members or signatory countries. ISA remains focused on its objective of supporting member countries in collectively addressing key common challenges to scaling up of solar energy, in line with their needs, to achieve universal energy access," said an MNRE official.

"ISA will continue to work with member countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States, in development and deployment of solar energy, mobilising finance, building capacity, and reducing risk perceptions," the official added.

Headquartered in Gurugram and co-founded by India and France, ISA currently has 125 member and signatory countries. The alliance works with member nations to address common challenges in scaling up solar energy in line with their respective needs, with the broader goal of achieving universal energy access.

The US decision follows a presidential memorandum directing federal agencies to withdraw from several multilateral bodies that the administration has said are not aligned with American interests. The move affects a mix of UN-affiliated and independent international institutions across climate, energy and development sectors.

While the US exit has sparked debate around global climate cooperation, officials indicated that there is no immediate impact on ISA’s ongoing programmes or engagement with member countries.

Launched at the COP21 climate summit in Paris in 2015, the International Solar Alliance has emerged as a key platform for facilitating solar financing, policy support and technical assistance, particularly across developing economies in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The United States joined the India-led International Solar Alliance as its 101st member in November 2021, with the announcement made by then US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry at the COP26 climate summit. At the time, the US had said its decision to join the alliance was aimed at accelerating the global adoption of solar energy and supporting a solar-led energy transition, particularly across developing economies.