France Re-elected as Co-chair of International Solar Alliance, Strengthening Solar Energy Collaboration with India

New Delhi, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : France has once again been chosen as the co-chair of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The country will hold this position from 2027 to 2029, following its victory over Burkina Faso during the ninth assembly of the ISA held in New Delhi from November 2 to 5, 2026.

In its new role, France has committed to continuing its support for the ISA and aims to bolster its global presence in solar energy and clean electrification. This decision comes ahead of the COP-31 conference scheduled in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20.

Established in 2015 through a partnership between India and France, the ISA promotes the use of solar energy worldwide and enhances collaboration among nations. Since the COP-31 conference in 2015, it has been a significant achievement in India-France energy and climate cooperation.

France’s dedication to the ISA’s goals is further evidenced by a renewable energy cooperation agreement signed with India in 2018, which was renewed in 2025. The two nations are collaborating on various projects in renewable energy, urban transport, green finance, and biodiversity conservation. These initiatives are facilitated through the French Development Agency (AFD).

During President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February 2026, the two countries elevated their relationship to a special global strategic partnership. This partnership focuses on tackling global challenges such as climate change collaboratively.

French companies are actively engaged in key sectors in India, including energy, transportation, circular economy, and water purification. Their projects contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy, enhance energy security, and help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The growing presence of French firms in these sectors also strengthens the “Partnership for the Planet” pillar of the “Horizon 2047 Roadmap,” announced in 2023 to mark 25 years of the India-France strategic partnership.

Matthieu Lefèvre, France’s Minister for Ecological Transition and current co-chair of the ISA, announced a voluntary contribution of 50,000 euros for the ISA in 2026. During the assembly, he highlighted France’s key priorities for the ISA, including capacity building in developing countries through the STAR-C program, to which France has contributed 1.25 million euros since 2021.

Additionally, France aims to increase financial assistance through initiatives like the Africa Solar Facility, having allocated 150,000 euros for this purpose in 2025. The country is also focused on promoting the ISA’s international expansion to enhance its global impact and diversify supply chains related to energy transitions.

Beyond the ISA, France plays an active role in another global initiative, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Since 2024, it has co-chaired the CDRI alongside India. Earlier this year, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the CDRI and the French Development Agency, opening new avenues for collaboration in disaster-resistant infrastructure and climate-resilient development.