Thank you dear subscribers, we are overwhelmed with your response.
Your Turn is a unique section from ThePrint featuring points of view from its subscribers. If you are a subscriber, have a point of view, please send it to us. If not, do subscribe here: https://theprint.in/subscribe/
The decision of former US President Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) once again exposes the fragile nature of global climate cooperation. At a time when the world is grappling with climate change, energy insecurity and rising temperatures, the move sends a worrying political signal. Yet, it also highlights a deeper reality: the global transition to clean energy, especially solar power, is no longer dependent on the choices of any single country.
The International Solar Alliance was launched in 2015 by India and France on the sidelines of the Paris Climate Conference. Its aim was both simple and ambitious i.e. to unite solar-rich countries, particularly those between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and help them adopt solar energy through cooperation, technology sharing, capacity building and access to finance. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India positioned the ISA as a platform that would give developing countries a stronger voice in global climate action.
The US joining the ISA earlier was seen as recognition of India’s growing leadership in climate diplomacy. Its exit, therefore, carries symbolic and political weight. It reflects the climate scepticism and unilateral approach that marked the Trump administration, which had also pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement. Such reversals weaken trust at a time when global cooperation is urgently needed.
For India, however, the immediate impact is limited. The ISA is not dominated by any single power. With over 100 member countries, many from Africa, Asia and small island states, the alliance is built on collective ownership. India continues to host its headquarters in Gurugram and remains its key driving force. The alliance’s core agenda remains unchanged.
That said, the US withdrawal does matter. As a leader in technology, innovation and finance, American participation could have helped mobilise larger investments and accelerate research in solar technologies. Its absence may slow some collaborative efforts and reduce the alliance’s political influence in global climate forums.
Still, the broader context offers reassurance. Over the past decade, solar energy has become one of the cheapest sources of power worldwide. Market forces, technological advances and climate realities are pushing countries towards renewables, regardless of political shifts in Washington. India’s own experience reflects this shift. From a marginal player, it has emerged as one of the world’s leading solar producers, backed by ambitious targets, supportive policies and private investment.
For many developing countries, the ISA represents a practical alternative to traditional climate finance models that have often fallen short. It promotes South-South cooperation, shaped by shared challenges rather than external conditions. In this sense, the alliance marks a shift away from climate leadership dominated by a few Western powers.
The US exit may, in fact, strengthen India’s leadership role. By staying committed to climate action and the ISA, India positions itself as a reliable global partner, especially for nations balancing development needs with environmental responsibility. With Europe, Japan, Australia and global investors continuing to back renewable energy, the clean energy transition retains strong momentum.
Ultimately, the US withdrawal is a setback, not a defeat. The future of solar energy is driven by necessity, economics and survival. If the ISA delivers real outcomes like powering villages, schools and hospitals, it will prove its relevance beyond politics. Climate action cannot wait for consensus in one capital. The sun will continue to rise, and so will the world’s need for clean, affordable energy.
By:
Siddharth Roy
Civil Engineer, Writer and Columnist
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.