New Delhi: As US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry signed the ISA framework agreement to catalyse global energy transformation through a solar-led approach, the US became the 101st member country of the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA). ISA said in a statement, “In a big boost to accelerate global adoption of solar energy, John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, announced at the UNFCCC COP26 today (Wednesday) that the United States of America (USA) has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a member country.”

As Kerry formally signed the framework agreement at the COP26 climate meeting in Glasgow, he praised the US involvement as a key step for the fast deployment of solar power. Kerry said, “It has long been coming, and we are happy to join the International Solar Alliance, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead in making.”

Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, welcomed the United States as the ISA’s 101st member. “This move will strengthen the ISA and propel future action on providing a clean source of energy to the world,” said Yadav.

ISA Director-General Ajay Mathur said in the statement: “The US’ endorsement of the ISA’s framework and approach is a heartening development, especially as our 101st member nation, which is a significant milestone in itself.” He added, It illustrates that countries all around the globe are recognising solar’s economic and climate-friendly benefits, as well as its potential as a global energy transition catalyst.