Introduction & Summary
India's rise as a global power is increasingly defined not only by its growing economic and strategic might but also by its proactive leadership in launching and championing specific global initiatives that address shared planetary challenges. These initiatives underscore India's commitment to providing global public goods and its aspiration to be a problem-solver and norm-shaper on the international stage. This topic explores India's pivotal role in co-founding the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), its recent initiative to establish the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), and the ambitious vision of One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG). These efforts reflect India's blend of strategic foresight, sustainable development goals, and diplomatic outreach in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.
7.4.1: International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Establishment & Objective
Establishment: Launched jointly by India and France at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015.
Objective: To mobilize efforts to promote solar energy among "sun-rich" countries (located fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn) and to facilitate its widespread deployment through reduced costs, policy harmonization, and increased investment.
Significance & Working
- First Treaty-based IO Headquartered in India: Its secretariat is in Gurugram, Haryana, a unique distinction for India.
- Global Collaboration: Brings together over 116 signatories to accelerate solar energy adoption.
- Climate Action: A key initiative for global climate action, energy security, and sustainable development.
- India's Leadership: Showcases India's commitment to renewables and multilateral leadership.
Working: Focuses on projects, programs, capacity building, and financial de-risking for solar investments.
7.4.2: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
Establishment & Objective
Establishment: Launched by India at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York in 2019.
Objective: To promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, ensuring sustainable development and contributing to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Significance & Working
- Multi-Stakeholder Partnership: Brings together national governments, UN agencies, MDBs, private sector, and knowledge institutions.
- Climate Adaptation: Crucial for climate adaptation, especially in disaster-prone regions, focusing on resilient infrastructure.
- India's Leadership: Demonstrates India's commitment to disaster risk reduction and global leadership.
Working: Focuses on research, capacity development, technical assistance, and advocating for resilient infrastructure standards.
7.4.3: Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)
Establishment & Objective
Establishment: Launched by India and supported by the G20, US, and Brazil at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023.
Objective: To facilitate cooperation for the advancement and adoption of biofuels, promoting sustainable biofuels for energy transition, and creating a robust global biofuels market.
Significance
- Energy Transition: Crucial pathway to decarbonize transport and diversify energy sources, reducing fossil fuel reliance.
- Circular Economy: Promotes use of waste and agricultural residues for biofuel production.
- India's Leadership: Showcases India's innovation in renewable energy and global initiative launching during G20 Presidency.
- Members: Initial members include G20 nations (US, Brazil, India), and non-G20 countries.
7.4.4: One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)
Vision & Objective
Vision: A concept envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 (at the first ISA Assembly).
Objective: To build a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources (primarily solar), transmitted across borders through a transnational electricity grid.
Phases & Significance
Proposed Phases:
- Interconnecting regional grids (Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia).
- Extending to Africa.
- Global interconnection.
Significance:
- Energy Security: Enables stable renewable energy supply by mitigating intermittency.
- Climate Action: Accelerates global energy transition by maximizing renewable energy utilization.
- Energy Access: Facilitates greater access to clean energy, especially for energy-deficient regions.
- Global Public Good: A long-term vision for global energy cooperation.
Progress: Feasibility studies underway. India has established a joint secretariat with the UK for OSOWOG.
Prelims & Mains Ready Notes
- International Solar Alliance (ISA):
- Co-founded: India & France (COP21, Paris, 2015).
- Objective: Promote solar energy in "sun-rich" countries.
- Significance: First treaty-based IO HQs in India (Gurugram). Over 116 signatories.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI):
- Co-founded: India (UN Climate Action Summit, 2019).
- Objective: Promote resilient infrastructure to climate/disaster risks.
- Significance: Multi-stakeholder, climate adaptation.
- Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA):
- India's initiative: Launched by India (G20 Summit, New Delhi, Sept 2023). Supported by G20, US, Brazil.
- Objective: Advance sustainable biofuels for energy transition.
- Significance: Decarbonize transport, circular economy.
- One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG):
- Vision: PM Modi (2018).
- Objective: Global interconnected renewable energy grid.
- Significance: Energy security (mitigate intermittency), climate action, energy access. Joint secretariat with UK.
| Initiative | Year/Launch Platform | Co-founders/Key Supporters | Primary Objective | Significance/Impact for India |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Solar Alliance (ISA) | 2015 (COP21 Paris) | India, France | Promote solar energy in "sun-rich" countries | HQ in Gurugram, global climate action, leadership |
| Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) | 2019 (UN Climate Action Summit) | India | Promote resilient infrastructure to disaster risks | Global leadership in adaptation, multi-stakeholder |
| Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) | 2023 (G20 Summit, New Delhi) | India, US, Brazil (G20 support) | Advance sustainable biofuels for energy transition | Leadership in clean energy, decarbonization |
| One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) | 2018 (ISA Assembly) | India | Global interconnected renewable energy grid | Long-term energy security, climate action, energy access |
India as a Problem Solver and Norm Shaper: The Role of ISA and CDRI in Global Governance:
Context: India is increasingly seen not just as a consumer of global public goods but as a provider and shaper of new norms and solutions for transnational challenges.
- ISA: Addresses energy poverty & climate change; promotes solar deployment, policy harmonization. HQ in India symbolizes green energy commitment & South-South cooperation.
- CDRI: Addresses climate/disaster risks impacting infrastructure; advocates resilient systems, knowledge sharing. Highlights adaptation as critical for sustainable development.
Conclusion: ISA and CDRI are prime examples of India's proactive multilateralism, demonstrating its capacity to identify problems, build consensus, launch innovative solutions, and shape norms, positioning India as a crucial problem-solver.
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) and One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG): India's Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future and its Geopolitical Implications:
Energy Transition Imperative: Both initiatives align with India's ambitious climate targets (Net Zero 2070, 500 GW RE by 2030) and quest for energy security.
- GBA: Decarbonizes transport, reduces fossil fuel reliance, promotes circular economy via agricultural waste. Showcases India's leadership in green energy.
- OSOWOG: Revolutionary concept for global interconnected RE grid. Mitigates intermittency, ensures stable energy supply, accelerates global energy transition, promotes energy access – a long-term global public good.
Geopolitical Implications: Enhanced energy independence, stronger climate diplomacy, new partnerships, shift from traditional energy order, increased soft power.
Conclusion: GBA and OSOWOG position India at the forefront of global energy transition, embodying its aspiration to provide innovative global public goods for a sustainable and interconnected energy future.
India's 'Samarth Bharat, Jagat Kalyan' Vision: Self-Reliance for Global Well-being through Specific Initiatives:
Concept: "Strong India, for the welfare of the world" encapsulates India's foreign policy ethos, leveraging its growing strength for global good.
Manifestation through Initiatives:
- ISA: India's solar power capabilities (Samarth Bharat) for global solar deployment (Jagat Kalyan).
- CDRI: India's disaster management experience shared for global resilience.
- GBA: India's biofuels expertise as a global energy solution.
- OSOWOG: India's vision for global energy security and access.
- Vaccine Maitri: Pharmaceutical prowess for global health.
Conclusion: These initiatives are tangible expressions of 'Samarth Bharat, Jagat Kalyan,' demonstrating India's ascent as a responsible stakeholder contributing to global public goods, fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable international order.
Current Affairs and Recent Developments (Last 1 Year)
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) Launched (Sept 2023)
India formally launched the GBA during its G20 Presidency in New Delhi, with strong support from the US and Brazil. Significant step towards international cooperation on sustainable biofuels and energy transition. (Source: G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, PIB).
OSOWOG Progress
While OSOWOG is a long-term vision, discussions are ongoing. India and the UK, co-chairs of the Green Grids Initiative, continue to explore regional grid interconnections, especially in South Asia and Southeast Asia. (Source: Ministry of Power, ISA).
ISA Expansion and New Programs
The International Solar Alliance continues to expand its membership and launch new programs to mobilize solar finance and accelerate deployment in member countries, reinforcing India's leadership in this domain. (Source: ISA official website).
CDRI Activities
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure continues to work on various projects globally, focusing on technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for resilient infrastructure. (Source: CDRI official website).
COP28 Outcomes (Dec 2023, Dubai)
COP28 agreement included a call for "transitioning away from fossil fuels" and tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, creating a more conducive international environment for initiatives like ISA, GBA, and OSOWOG. (Source: UNFCCC, COP28 outcomes).
India's Green Hydrogen Mission (Jan 2023)
This major domestic initiative (₹19,744 crore outlay) will bolster India's position as a leader in green energy and strengthen its contribution to initiatives like GBA and OSOWOG. (Source: PIB, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
1. (2023) Consider the following statements regarding the 'Green Hydrogen' initiative:
1. It is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy.
2. It can be used as a clean fuel in transport and industrial sectors.
3. India has launched a National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
2. (2022) In the context of global climate negotiations, 'Loss and Damage' refers to:
3. (2021) With reference to the 'International Solar Alliance (ISA)', which of the following statements are correct?
1. It was launched jointly by India and France.
2. Its primary objective is to promote solar energy among sun-rich countries.
3. It is the first treaty-based international intergovernmental organization headquartered in India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Original Descriptive Questions for Mains
1. "India's leadership in co-founding the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) exemplifies its growing role as a problem-solver and norm-shaper in global governance. Discuss this statement, highlighting the significance of these initiatives for both India and the world." (15 Marks)
Key Points/Structure:
- Introduction: Acknowledge India's rise and its shift from problem-consumer to problem-solver/norm-shaper. Introduce ISA and CDRI as prime examples.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA):
- Problem Addressed: Climate change, energy poverty, fossil fuel dependence.
- Solution: Promotes solar energy deployment in sun-rich countries through policy harmonization, investment mobilization, and technology sharing.
- Significance for India: First treaty-based international IO headquartered in India (Gurugram), enhances India's leadership in renewable energy and climate action, showcases its vision for global public goods.
- Significance for World: Accelerates global energy transition, provides sustainable energy access, contributes to Paris Agreement goals.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI):
- Problem Addressed: Climate and disaster risks impacting infrastructure, leading to economic losses and hindering development.
- Solution: Advocates for resilient infrastructure systems, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for climate adaptation.
- Significance for India: Demonstrates India's commitment to disaster risk reduction and its ability to lead a global initiative, leverages India's own experience.
- Significance for World: Crucial for building resilience in disaster-prone regions, especially for developing countries, ensuring sustainable development.
- Conclusion: ISA and CDRI are tangible manifestations of India's proactive multilateralism. They showcase India's strategic foresight, its ability to convene diverse stakeholders, and its commitment to providing innovative, scalable solutions for critical global challenges, thereby cementing its role as a responsible and impactful global power.
2. "India's vision for a sustainable energy future is ambitious, not just domestically, but also globally through initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) and One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG). Examine how these initiatives aim to address global energy security and climate action, and analyze their geopolitical implications." (20 Marks)
Key Points/Structure:
- Introduction: Introduce India's ambitious domestic climate goals and its commitment to a global energy transition. Highlight GBA and OSOWOG as key initiatives in this vision.
- Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA):
- Objective: To facilitate cooperation for the advancement and adoption of sustainable biofuels, promoting their use for energy transition and creating a robust global market.
- Addressing Energy Security: Diversifies energy sources, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, particularly for the transport sector.
- Addressing Climate Action: Decarbonizes transport, utilizes agricultural waste (circular economy principle), reducing GHG emissions.
- India's Role: Launched at G20 Summit, leverages India's success in ethanol blending.
- One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG):
- Vision: To build a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources (primarily solar) transmitted across borders through a transnational electricity grid.
- Addressing Energy Security: Mitigates intermittency of renewables (sun/wind) by allowing energy flow from high-generation to high-demand areas, ensuring stable supply.
- Addressing Climate Action: Accelerates global energy transition by maximizing renewable energy utilization, promotes cleaner energy access for all.
- India's Role: Prime Minister Modi's vision, joint secretariat with UK.
- Geopolitical Implications:
- Energy Independence: Reduces reliance on geopolitically volatile fossil fuel sources, enhancing energy independence for participating nations.
- Climate Diplomacy: Enhances India's leadership in global climate action and its role as a green energy provider, strengthening its soft power.
- New Partnerships: Fosters cooperation among diverse countries for energy integration and technology sharing, creating new diplomatic alignments.
- Challenging Traditional Energy Order: Shifts power away from traditional fossil fuel producers and suppliers towards renewable energy leaders.
- Connectivity: OSOWOG specifically promotes a new form of energy connectivity, potentially reshaping energy trade routes.
- Conclusion: GBA and OSOWOG are visionary initiatives that position India at the forefront of the global energy transition. They not only serve India's domestic energy and climate goals but also embody its aspiration to provide innovative global public goods, shaping a more sustainable, interconnected, and secure energy future for the world, thereby cementing its role as a crucial leading power.