Anushka writes how India’s leadership at the International Solar Alliance provides an advantage to India’s energy security and diplomacy.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), a treaty-based international organization, was established on November 30, 2015, through the initiative of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande.[i] The ISA was formally launched at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris. Its primary aim is to mobilize over USD 1,000 billion by 2030 for investment to support the installation of solar energy worldwide.
The ISA’s mission is to scale up solar energy usage, to reduce the cost of solar power generation, and enhance global collaboration in solar finance, technologies, research and development, and capacity building. Initially, the ISA focused on countries located within the tropics, a region known for its abundant sunlight. However, the scope of the ISA was expanded on October 3, 2018, when an amendment to its Framework Agreement was ratified, 99 countries are member to ISA, while 119 nations are signatory of ISA Framework Agreement.[ii] This expansion made the ISA’s membership open to all United Nations member states, broadening its reach and impact.
One of the ISA’s landmark initiatives is the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG), which Prime Minister Modi introduced at the ISA’s first assembly in October 2018. The initiative represented an active approach to global energy cooperation, aimed at creating an interconnected global solar grid that ensures equitable and sustainable energy access for all aligning with India’s G20 Presidency motto, “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam”.[iii]
For India, the ISA holds significant geopolitical and strategic value. As the first international organization headquartered in India, the ISA provides New Delhi with a unique platform to assert its leadership in global energy diplomacy. By fostering international cooperation and promoting solar energy, India seeks to enhance its geopolitical influence while building robust diplomatic and economic relationship with other nations.[iv] The ISA serves as a crucial tool for India to strengthen ties with key global players. Strategic partnerships can also be boosted and can bolster India’s geopolitical standing while offering avenues for cooperative ventures in technology, finance, and research.
From a security perspective, the ISA’s focus on solar energy is instrumental in enhancing India’s energy resilience. By developing a robust solar infrastructure, India aims to achieve a more stable and self-reliant energy supply. This shift towards renewable energy will reduce dependence on fossil fuels. China still continues to exert monopoly over the production of critical rare-earth minerals (important for solar energy) and supply chain creating tensions for India’s renewable energy future. India holds 6 percent of known rare-earth minerals but produces only 1 percent. Efforts are underway to increase India’s production and management capacity. New Delhi with QUAD is trying to build a resilient rare-earth procurement supply chain to counter China’s dominance.[v] To fortify India’s energy security against external shocks and global tensions.
Moreover, the ISA contributes to India’s broader strategic resilience by addressing the vulnerabilities associated with traditional energy sources. Fossil fuels, concentrated in specific regions, are vulnerable to geopolitical rivalries, price fluctuation in the market, and supply disruptions. Ukraine has the world’s sixth hard coal reserves whose supply got disrupted due to Russia-Ukraine conflict.[vi] In contrast, solar energy offers a more decentralized and stable source of power, reducing the risks associated with global energy politics.
The ISA’s emphasis on international collaboration synthesizes with India’s broader diplomatic strategy. By leading the charge in promoting solar energy, India is advancing its energy goals. Currently the installed capacity of solar energy is 48.55 GW,[vii] which is set to increase to 280 GW by 2030.[viii] We are also playing a pivotal role in addressing global climate challenges (SDG 7.1 advocates for increasing the share of renewable energy), positioning India as a proactive and responsible global player.[ix]
In conclusion, the International Solar Alliance is more than just a global initiative for scaling up solar energy. For India, it represents a strategic asset that enhances its geopolitical influence, strengthens diplomatic ties while bolstering energy security. Through its leadership in the ISA, India is not only shaping the future of global energy but also reinforcing its position as a key player in international energy security.
ENDNOTES
[i]“International Solar Alliance”, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy,India, . https://mnre.gov.in/international-solar-alliance/
[ii] Membership, International Solar Alliance https://isolaralliance.org/membership/countries
[iii] “International Solar Alliance: The Sun Never Sets”, Indian Council of World Affairs, October 27, 2024 https://www.icwa.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=1&ls_id=10106&lid=6449
[iv] Nalin Kumar Mohapatra ”Why the International Solar Alliance is geopolitically significant”, Down To Earth, April 19, 2019 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/why-the-international-solar-alliance-is-geopolitically-significant-64080#:~:text=If%20solar%20energy%20will%20be,money%20to%20fund%20terrorist%20activities.
[v] Banerjee, Mayuri “Beijing’s lead in Renewable Energy: Why India needs to introspect?” Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses , November 30, 2021 https://www.idsa.in/issuebrief/beijing-lead-in-renewable-energy-mbanerjee-301121
[vi]“Energy Security – Ukraine Energy Profile – Analysis,” IEA, n.d. https://www.iea.org/reports/ukraine-energy-profile/energy-security.
[vii] “Renewable Energy in India,” Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India, September 9, 2022. https://pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=151141&ModuleId+=+2.
[viii] Roy, Shantanu, “How Well Is India Tapping Its Rooftop Solar Potential?: Explained.” The Hindu, June 26, 2024 https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/history-future-value-india-rooftop-solar-programme-explained/article68335798.ece.
[ix] Hussain, S. F., & Khan, Z. A. “International Solar Alliance: the geopolitical imperative for India”, International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 4(7), 2127–2132, July 2023, https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.4.723.49443
By: Anushka Gupta, Research Assistant, CS3