India has been re-elected as the President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a third consecutive term, strengthening its position as a leading voice in global renewable energy cooperation.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced the development on November 3, 2026, during the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 in New Delhi.
The re-election took place during the Ninth Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly.
India received the continued support of member countries, while France was also re-elected as the Co-President of the alliance.
The development highlights India’s growing role in promoting affordable solar energy, clean electricity access and international cooperation, particularly among countries of the Global South.
India Wins Third Consecutive ISA Presidency
- Addressing the media during the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, Pralhad Joshi expressed gratitude to ISA member countries for placing their trust in India for a third consecutive term.
- He reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing international solar cooperation under the vision of “One Sun, One World, One Grid” and the approach of “Power to Empower”.
- The minister also congratulated France and its representative on being re-elected as Co-President of the International Solar Alliance.
- According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the alliance now has 130 signatory and member countries, making it an important platform for international cooperation on solar energy, especially for developing nations.
What Is the International Solar Alliance?
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based international organisation established to promote the deployment of solar energy across the world.
It was jointly launched by India and France on November 30, 2015, during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris.
The alliance aims to:
- Promote the widespread adoption of solar energy.
- Mobilise investments for solar power projects.
- Improve access to affordable solar technologies.
- Support research, innovation and capacity building.
- Strengthen energy access and energy security.
- Encourage international cooperation in renewable energy.
The ISA provides a platform for countries to work together to accelerate the global transition towards clean and sustainable energy.
130 Countries Strengthen India’s Global Solar Cooperation Platform
- With 130 signatory and member countries, the International Solar Alliance has developed into an important platform for international cooperation.
- Its initiatives focus on making solar energy more accessible, particularly in developing countries and regions that face challenges in financing, infrastructure and electricity access.
- The alliance is working to turn international commitments into practical projects by encouraging investment, sharing technology and developing institutional capabilities.
Major Solar Energy Initiatives Highlighted by Pralhad Joshi
During the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, Pralhad Joshi highlighted several initiatives aimed at accelerating solar deployment and strengthening international partnerships.
1. Africa Solar Facility – USD 200 Million
- The minister highlighted the USD 200 million Africa Solar Facility, an initiative aimed at unlocking investment in Africa’s distributed renewable energy sector.
- The facility is expected to support solar energy deployment and improve access to electricity in underserved communities.
2. India’s ₹225 Crore Commitment
- India has committed approximately ₹225 crore (USD 25 million) to help make affordable solar energy accessible to underserved communities.
- This commitment reinforces India’s support for expanding clean-energy access beyond its borders.
3. Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund – USD 300 Million
- The minister also highlighted the USD 300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund as an important model for scaling up distributed renewable energy investments across Africa.
4. Empowering Three Million Farmers Through Solar Energy
- India is also promoting solar energy applications in agriculture.
- Pralhad Joshi highlighted efforts to empower three million farmers through solar energy and agricultural photovoltaics (Agri-PV).
- India’s PM-KUSUM scheme provides an example of how solar-powered agricultural infrastructure can reduce irrigation costs and create additional income opportunities for farmers.
- Through the ISA, efforts are being made to adapt similar approaches for member countries, particularly in Africa.
5. Solar Projects in Island Nations
The alliance is supporting solar energy initiatives in countries such as Fiji, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles.
These projects demonstrate how solar power can support:
- Healthcare facilities and hospitals.
- Schools and educational institutions.
- Clean drinking water infrastructure.
- Agricultural cold storage.
- Livelihood development.
- Climate resilience.
The ISA is also exploring integrated solar and energy-storage opportunities, beginning with Mauritius, to develop scalable solutions for Small Island Developing States.
Strengthening Solar Technology and Institutional Capacity
India is also supporting the development of institutional and technical capabilities to accelerate solar energy adoption.
The initiatives highlighted by the minister include:
- 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres: Supporting the development and application of solar technologies.
- Global Capability Centre – SHINE: Strategic Hub for Innovation and Execution.
- AI-enabled ISA Academy: Supporting knowledge development, training and capacity building.
These initiatives aim to strengthen expertise, promote innovation and improve the implementation of solar energy projects across member countries.
Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026
- The announcement came during the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 2, 2026, in New Delhi.
- The summit is being held from November 2 to November 5, 2026, bringing together policymakers, government representatives, industry leaders, investors and international organisations.
- The discussions focus on accelerating renewable energy investments, strengthening international partnerships and translating clean-energy commitments into practical projects.
Significance of India’s Re-Election
India’s third consecutive election as President of the International Solar Alliance is significant for several reasons:
- Global Leadership: It strengthens India’s role in shaping international solar energy cooperation.
- Global South Cooperation: It provides a platform for developing countries to address energy access and financing challenges.
- Renewable Energy Investments: It can help mobilise international finance for solar infrastructure.
- Technology Sharing: It encourages cooperation in solar innovation, research and capacity building.
- Climate Action: It supports global efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and expand clean-energy solutions.
- Energy Security: It promotes affordable and reliable electricity access through renewable energy.
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