The International Solar Alliance
The India-led treaty body of sun-rich countries, launched with France in 2015, to spread solar power.
What the paper can ask
- Proposed by India in November 2015; framework agreement opened for signature at Marrakesh in November 2016.
- India provided the land and initial funding for the headquarters.
- More than 110 countries have joined; the United States joined in 2021 and announced its withdrawal in January 2026. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask
Headquarters city, the co-founder country and the launch year are the usual questions.
The full story
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an inter-governmental organisation proposed by Prime Minister Modi in 2015 and launched by India and France around the Paris climate conference. Its framework agreement opened for signature at Marrakesh in November 2016. Its aim is cheap, large-scale solar energy; most members are 'sunshine countries' between the two Tropics, though others can join.
Test yourself
1.The International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France at COP21 in 2015, is headquartered in:
Correct. ISA's headquarters is at the National Institute of Solar Energy campus in Gurugram; it was the first treaty-based international body headquartered in India.
Not quite. ISA's headquarters is at the National Institute of Solar Energy campus in Gurugram; it was the first treaty-based international body headquartered in India. It goes into your error book.