Context:
Following the United States’ withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India reiterated its strong commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Key Highlights:
- US Withdrawal
- Exit from 66 global institutions, including:
- UN-affiliated bodies.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- Justification: Institutions viewed as redundant or contrary to US interests.
- Implications for Global Governance
- Potential funding gaps in affected organisations.
- Leadership vacuum may allow China to expand influence.
- Risk of weakened global cooperation in areas like:
- Climate change
- Renewable energy
- Development finance
- Impact on International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- ISA comprises 125 member countries.
- Objective: Mobilise $1 trillion for solar projects by 2030.
- US exit may:
- Reduce financial contributions.
- Lead to loss of expertise.
- Slow investment momentum in solar deployment.
- India’s Stand
- Reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism.
- Emphasised need for collective global action.
- Will collaborate with other member states to uphold institutional objectives.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Multilateralism:
- Cooperation among multiple countries to address shared global challenges.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA):
- Launched in 2015 (Paris COP21) by India and France.
- Headquarters: Gurugram, India.
- Aims to promote solar energy deployment in tropical countries.
- ISA target:
- Mobilise $1 trillion by 2030.
- India’s climate commitments:
- Net-zero by 2070.
- 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030 (as per updated NDC).
Relevant Mains Points:
GS 2 – International Relations
- US withdrawal reflects challenges to the rules-based global order.
- Raises concerns about weakening of collective global governance structures.
- Opportunity for India to:
- Strengthen leadership in Global South.
- Enhance diplomatic stature through ISA.
GS 3 – Environment & Climate Change
- ISA central to India’s renewable energy diplomacy.
- Solar energy crucial for:
- Energy security
- Climate mitigation
- Sustainable development
- Funding constraints may affect developing nations’ energy transitions.
- Way Forward
- Diversify funding sources for ISA through:
- Multilateral Development Banks.
- Sovereign wealth funds.
- Private sector partnerships.
- Strengthen South-South cooperation.
- Reinforce institutional reforms to enhance efficiency and credibility.
- Promote India’s leadership in climate diplomacy and energy transition governance.
UPSC Relevance:
Multilateralism, Global governance crisis, Climate diplomacy, India’s leadership in Global South, Renewable energy commitments.