In a significant move impacting global diplomacy and climate initiatives, the administration of United States President Donald Trump has formally withdrawn the country from the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This alliance is widely regarded as a flagship foreign policy and environmental project of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Genesis of the International Solar Alliance
The proposal for this ambitious solar partnership was first unveiled by Prime Minister Modi during a historic address. On November 13, 2025, at London's iconic Wembley Stadium, Modi laid out his vision for the ISA. This moment came roughly a year and a half after he began his tenure as India's Prime Minister, marking a bold step in positioning India as a leader in renewable energy cooperation on the world stage.
Scope of the US Withdrawal
The exit from the ISA is not an isolated decision. Reports indicate that the Trump administration's action is part of a broader disengagement strategy. The United States has chosen to leave a total of 65 international organisations and agreements. This mass withdrawal signals a pronounced shift towards a more unilateral foreign policy approach, moving away from multilateral frameworks that have defined global governance for decades.
Implications and Global Reactions
The departure of a major economic and technological power like the United States from the ISA is a substantial blow to the alliance's global reach and resource pool. Analysts suggest this could challenge the alliance's initial momentum and force a recalibration of its strategies. For India, it represents a diplomatic hurdle for a project that was a personal brainchild of its leader, aimed at uniting sun-rich countries between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn for solar energy development.
This decision is likely to have ripple effects beyond just solar cooperation. It raises questions about the future of international climate accords and the stability of other multilateral institutions. The move has been met with concern by environmental advocates and diplomats who argue that global challenges like climate change require concerted, collective action.
As the world digests this news, the focus now turns to how the International Solar Alliance, under India's stewardship, will adapt to this new reality and continue to pursue its mission of promoting solar energy without the participation of the United States.
