France has been re-elected as the co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a two-year term from 2027 to 2029. The election took place during the ninth Assembly of ISA, held in New Delhi from November 2 to 5. France secured the position, defeating Burkina Faso in the process. The Embassy of France in India stated that France will continue to support ISA as it strengthens its role in solar energy and clean electrification.
The International Solar Alliance was jointly established in 2015 by France and India. Since its inception, ISA has been a success for Indo-French cooperation in the field of energy and climate. France's commitment to ISA's objectives is demonstrated by the MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation signed in 2018 and renewed in 2025 with India. Both countries are working together on joint projects in renewable energy, urban mobility, green finance, and biodiversity preservation.
The French Development Agency (Agence francaise de developpement - AFD) manages several joint projects between France and India. These projects support the transition towards a low-carbon economy, increase energy security, and contribute to achieving the SDG7 and Paris Climate Agreement objectives. The growing presence of French companies in India underscores the Partnership for the Planet pillar of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
France and India elevated their bilateral ties to the level of a Special Global Strategic Partnership during President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to India in February 2026. Under this framework, both countries address global challenges, including climate change. French Minister Delegate for the Ecological Transition Mathieu Lefvre attended the ISA Assembly as the incumbent co-president and announced a voluntary contribution of Euro 50,000 to ISA for 2026.
During the Assembly, Mathieu Lefvre stated France's priorities for ISA, including capacity building in developing countries through the STAR-C programme. France has contributed Euro 1.25M to this programme since 2021. Another priority is access to finance, through initiatives such as the Africa Solar Facility, to which France contributed Euro 150,000 in 2025. France also aims to increase ISA's global influence and diversify the energy transition value chains.
The International Solar Alliance has been successful in promoting solar energy solutions globally. With France as co-president, ISA is expected to strengthen its role as a global leader in solar energy and clean electrification. This is particularly significant ahead of COP31, to be held in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20.
The re-election of France as co-president of ISA demonstrates the country's commitment to renewable energy and climate cooperation. France's continued support for ISA is expected to promote sustainable energy solutions and contribute to achieving global climate goals.
Key points
- France has been re-elected as co-president of the International Solar Alliance for 2027-2029.
- France will continue to support ISA in its role as a global leader in solar energy and clean electrification.
- France and India are working together on joint projects in renewable energy, urban mobility, green finance, and biodiversity preservation.
