India Secures Third Consecutive Term as ISA President

India has secured the presidency of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the third consecutive term, with Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi outlining plans to strengthen international solar cooperation, mobilise investments and expand solar deployment across member countries.

Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 in New Delhi, Joshi said that the alliance would focus on translating solar commitments into investments and partnerships into projects.

India and France established the ISA in 2015 to promote international cooperation in solar energy. The alliance now has 130 signatory and member countries, with a particular focus on supporting the energy transition in the Global South. France has also been re-elected as Co-President of the alliance.

Joshi said that the USD 200 million Africa Solar Facility was an important step towards unlocking investments in Africa's distributed renewable energy sector. India's commitment of around INR 225 crore (USD 25 million) to the facility is intended to improve access to affordable solar energy among underserved communities. He also referred to the USD 300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund as a model for scaling up distributed renewable energy investments across the continent.

The Minister highlighted ISA-supported projects in Fiji, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles, where solar energy is being used to power healthcare facilities and schools, provide clean drinking water and support agricultural cold storage. The alliance is also working on aggregated solar and energy storage opportunities, beginning with Mauritius, to develop scalable solutions for Small Island Developing States.

On solar-powered agriculture, Joshi highlighted India's PM-KUSUM scheme and its role in reducing irrigation costs and creating additional income opportunities for farmers. He said that the ISA was working to adapt the model across member countries, particularly in Africa, while placing farmers at the centre of the energy transition. The Minister also highlighted efforts to empower 3 million farmers through solar energy and Agri-PV.

To strengthen institutional and technical capabilities, the alliance has established 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, the Global Capability Centre–SHINE (Strategic Hub for Innovation and Execution) and an AI-enabled ISA Academy. According to Joshi, these initiatives are aimed at developing skills, strengthening institutions and using emerging technologies to accelerate solar deployment.

He also pointed to the growing importance of reliable and affordable electricity as artificial intelligence reshapes economies, making access to clean power a strategic priority.

Joshi said that India's priorities during its third term as ISA President would include mobilising investments, accelerating project deployment and converting collective commitments into tangible outcomes for communities and countries. He thanked member countries for electing India for another term and congratulated France on its re-election as Co-President.