India-France Renewable Energy Ties in Focus as Mathieu Lefèvre Arrives for Key ISA Summit

India and France are looking to deepen their cooperation in renewable energy and climate action as French Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition Mathieu Lefèvre begins a two-day visit to India. Scheduled for November 2 and 3, the visit is centred on the Ninth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, where France is seeking to continue its role as co-president for another two-year term.

Lefèvre is expected to participate in the opening ceremony of the ISA Assembly at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 2, which will take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event brings together international representatives and renewable energy stakeholders to discuss the expansion of solar power and the challenges facing the global clean energy sector.

The French minister will also participate in discussions alongside India’s Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi. Both are expected to co-chair the Assembly proceedings, while Lefèvre is scheduled to deliver an address during the November 3 plenary session. He is also expected to hold discussions with ISA Director General Ashish Khanna on the organisation’s future priorities and international cooperation.

France’s proposal for another term as ISA co-president focuses on strengthening the alliance’s contribution to the global renewable energy transition. Its priorities include developing technical expertise in emerging economies, improving access to financial resources for solar projects, increasing the international visibility of the ISA Secretariat and building more diversified supply chains for critical minerals.

As part of its continued engagement with the alliance, France has provided €1.3 million towards the Solar Technology Application Resource Centres (STAR-C) programme, which supports capacity-building activities across 17 countries. It has also contributed €150,000 to the Africa Solar Facility and a further €150,000 in voluntary financial support to the ISA Secretariat. These initiatives are intended to strengthen institutional capabilities and encourage wider adoption of solar technologies.

The minister’s India programme also includes discussions with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The two sides are expected to exchange views on environmental cooperation and shared priorities ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP31, which is scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. Their discussions are also expected to cover biodiversity, climate-related initiatives and projects supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) in India.

The International Solar Alliance was jointly launched by India and France during the COP21 climate conference in Paris in 2015. Since its establishment, the organisation has worked to encourage international investment in solar energy, improve access to clean electricity and support member countries in developing renewable energy infrastructure.

Lefèvre’s visit comes at an important time for international climate cooperation, as governments seek practical solutions to increase clean energy generation and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. The discussions in New Delhi are expected to reinforce the strategic relationship between India and France while highlighting their shared interest in making solar energy more accessible, affordable and sustainable across the world.