The India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global solar energy goals, stating it will continue its work with all 125 member and signatory countries. This declaration comes in response to the recent decision by the United States to formally withdraw from the multilateral initiative.
US Exit and ISA's Firm Response
Official sources confirmed that the Indian government has noted media reports regarding the US withdrawal from 66 international bodies, which includes the ISA. The US action was formalized through a memorandum signed by President Donald Trump on January 7, 2026, titled 'Withdrawing the United States from International Organisations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States'. The Trump administration has previously labeled such alliances as "redundant" to American interests.
Reacting to the development, official sources emphasized that the alliance's mission remains unchanged. The ISA will continue to work closely with its member countries, with a special focus on least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). Key areas of collaboration include solar energy deployment, mobilizing finance, capacity building, and reducing risk perceptions for solar investments.
Steadfast Mission and Global Reach
The Gurugram-headquartered ISA is a joint initiative of India and France, launched during the COP21 climate summit in Paris in 2015. Its core objective is to promote solar energy as a primary tool in the fight against climate change. Following a crucial amendment to its Framework Agreement in 2020, membership was opened to all United Nations member states.
Currently, with India at its helm as President, the 125-nation alliance has made significant strides. ISA programmes are now operational in over 95 countries, supporting the development of national project pipelines, regulatory frameworks, and market creation for solar energy. The alliance has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of solar solutions through diverse projects across regions, with solar power increasingly being integrated with energy storage technologies.
The Path Forward for Solar Cooperation
Despite the US exit, the ISA's agenda is set to move forward without disruption. The body will remain sharply focused on its mandate of supporting member nations in scaling up solar energy to meet their development needs and achieve the critical goal of universal energy access.
Sources indicate that the alliance has built considerable momentum since its inception and is poised to continue driving the global energy transition. The ISA's work in proving the effectiveness of solar solutions and its extensive network across 95+ countries provides a strong foundation for future growth. The collective resolve of the remaining member nations ensures that the pursuit of climate objectives through solar power remains a top global priority.
