U.S. to join International Solar Alliance, launch third ISA initiative in September 2016

This joint statement outlines the deepening strategic partnership between India and the United States, focusing on commitments to bolster economic growth, promote peace and security, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, defense, and nonproliferation.

Who it concerns: The agreement involves the Governments of India and the United States. Specific entities and sectors named include the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd, Westinghouse, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), USAID, ISRO, NASA, and the defense and renewable energy sectors.

What was agreed

• Preparatory work began for six AP 1000 nuclear reactors to be built by Westinghouse in India, with contractual arrangements targeted for finalization by June 2017.
• Creation of a $20 million U.S.-India Clean Energy Finance (USICEF) initiative, expected to mobilize up to $400 million to provide clean electricity to up to 1 million households by 2020.
• Launch of a $40 million U.S.-India Catalytic Solar Finance Program, which could mobilize up to $1 billion in projects for off-grid solar in rural areas.
• Announcement of a $30 million public-private research effort in smart grid and grid storage.
• The United States recognizes India as a Major Defense Partner, granting license-free access to a wide range of dual-use technologies.
• Finalization of the text of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).
• Commitment to double clean energy research and development (R&D) investment in five years under the Mission Innovation initiative.
• India’s imminent entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime and U.S. support for India’s application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Also in the document

• The United States intends to pursue membership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and will jointly launch the third ISA initiative focusing on off-grid solar in September 2016.
• The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to join the Paris Agreement on climate change as soon as possible in 2016.
• India offered to host a Summit on Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism in 2018.
• The U.S. and India committed to work toward adopting an HFC amendment in 2016 under the Montreal Protocol.