France Wins Re-election as ISA Co-President in New Delhi
France secures re-election as ISA co-president during the Ninth Assembly in New Delhi, strengthening Indo-French solar energy cooperation.
In a significant boost to global clean energy cooperation, France has been re-elected as the co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the 2027–2029 term. The decision was finalized during the Ninth Assembly of the ISA, currently taking place in New Delhi from November 2 to 5, where France emerged victorious over Burkina Faso.
Strengthening the Global Solar Leadership
The Embassy of France in India confirmed the news via a press release, stating that France will remain a steadfast partner to the ISA. This continued leadership comes at a critical juncture as the alliance seeks to solidify its position as a global pioneer in solar energy and clean electrification, particularly as the world prepares for COP31, scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20.
The ISA was jointly founded by France and India in 2015, serving as a cornerstone of Indo-French cooperation in energy and climate since the landmark COP21. The partnership's strength is further evidenced by the MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation, originally signed in 2018 and renewed in 2025.
A Deepening Strategic Partnership
The synergy between the two nations reached new heights in February 2026, when President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to India elevated their bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. This framework empowers both countries to collaborate more effectively on pressing global crises, with climate change at the forefront.
Beyond diplomatic agreements, the partnership is felt on the ground through the French Development Agency (AFD), which manages joint ventures in:
- Renewable energy projects
- Urban mobility solutions
- Green finance initiatives
- Biodiversity preservation
Private Sector Impact and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap
The French private sector is playing a pivotal role in India's transition to a low-carbon economy. By operating in key sectors such as water treatment, the circular economy, mobility, and energy, French companies are helping India enhance its energy security and meet the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement and SDG7.
These efforts align with the "Partnership for the Planet" pillar of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which was unveiled during the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French Strategic Partnership in 2023.
France's Vision and Financial Commitments
Mathieu Lefèvre, the French Minister Delegate for the Ecological Transition and the incumbent co-president, attended the Assembly and announced a voluntary contribution of Euro 50,000 to the ISA for the year 2026.
Minister Lefèvre outlined four primary priorities for France's continued tenure at the ISA:
- Capacity Building: Strengthening developing nations through the STAR-C programme, which has already received Euro 1.25 million in French contributions since 2021.
- Financial Access: Enhancing funding through initiatives like the Africa Solar Facility, to which France contributed Euro 150,000 in 2025.
- Global Influence: Driving the internationalisation of the ISA to expand its reach and impact.
- Value Chain Diversification: Ensuring the energy transition value chains are diverse and resilient.