The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Ministry of External Affairs have signed a Project Implementation Agreement to carry out new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles, according to an official announcement.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the agreement was inked on Tuesday. The Wilmington Declaration, announced at the Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware on September 21, emphasised that the Quad nations will collaborate to boost clean energy supply chains. They plan to achieve this by using policies and public funding to encourage high-quality private-sector investments in allied and partner countries. "To this end, India has committed to invest $2 million in new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles," it said.

On November 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) signed a Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) to carry out projects in Indo-Pacific countries. Under this agreement, the ISA will act as the Project Implementing Agency, offering programmatic support to Comoros, Fiji, Madagascar and Seychelles. India will provide the financial backing for these initiatives, as stated in the announcement. According to a study conducted by the ISA, the countries that are considering solar projects face energy challenges related to the perishability of agricultural products, the unreliability of electricity supply in health centres, and the need for irrigation in remote areas where solar mini-grids or grid power supply are not yet available, according to the MEA.

Discussions with the recipient countries have identified potential solar projects, including cold storage, solar-powered healthcare facilities, and solar water pumping systems. These projects aim to improve energy access, create jobs, and ensure reliable and high-quality power in Indo-Pacific countries. "Unequal access to reliable and secure sources of energy and electricity has inhibited holistic economic development and social justice for nations and communities across the world. Solar energy is a viable solution to help these countries address climate change-related challenges," the statement said.

According to the MEA, India's most recent round of renewable energy investments in these nations would support the Quad's commitment to tackle climate change concerns and ease their transition to a clean energy economy for the benefit of people, the environment and our collective prosperity.