India and France have discussed climate finance, biodiversity conservation and clean energy transition, reaffirming their commitment to global climate action through the International Solar Alliance and CDRI.
India and France have discussed key areas of environmental cooperation, including biodiversity conservation, climate finance, renewable energy and preparations for the upcoming COP31 climate conference. Both countries also reiterated their commitment to strengthening international collaboration through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
The discussions took place on Tuesday during a meeting between Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh and France's Minister Delegate for the Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefevre, in New Delhi.
Lefevre is visiting India to participate in the ninth session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly, being organised alongside the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026.
Following the meeting, Singh shared details of the discussions on social media platform X, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two countries on issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Singh and Lefevre exchanged views on several environmental and climate-related priorities. These included protecting biodiversity, accelerating the transition towards cleaner energy sources, improving access to climate finance and coordinating positions ahead of COP31.
Singh emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation through the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Both initiatives play an important role in promoting international collaboration on renewable energy development and climate resilience.
The discussions reflect the growing importance of India-France cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges and supporting sustainable development.
France was re-elected as the co-president of the International Solar Alliance on Tuesday during the ninth session of the ISA Assembly in New Delhi.
Welcoming the development, Mathieu Lefevre expressed satisfaction over France continuing in the leadership role. He highlighted the country's contribution to the global expansion of solar energy and acknowledged the role of French President Emmanuel Macron in supporting the alliance.
In his post on X, Lefevre said France would continue working towards strengthening solar energy development worldwide, building on its involvement in the initiative since 2018.
France's re-election is expected to further support cooperation between India, France and other ISA member countries in expanding access to affordable and sustainable solar power.
The ninth session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly is being held in New Delhi as part of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026.
According to the French Embassy in India, the Assembly has brought together representatives from more than 120 countries to discuss ways to accelerate the global adoption of solar energy.
The meeting is being co-chaired by Mathieu Lefevre and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi.
In a statement on X, the French Embassy highlighted the importance of international cooperation in expanding affordable solar power, developing technical skills and attracting investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
The Assembly provides an important platform for member countries to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities to make clean energy more accessible.
Before the bilateral discussions, the French minister attended the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit on Monday, where he also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Lefevre described the interaction as an important opportunity to reaffirm France's commitment to accelerating the global energy transition.
He also highlighted the strategic partnership between India and France, supported by French President Emmanuel Macron, as an important foundation for cooperation in clean energy development.
The French Embassy reiterated that France, in its capacity as co-president of the International Solar Alliance, would continue promoting the global transition towards clean energy in partnership with India and other member nations.
The International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure are two important international initiatives supported by India and its partner countries.
The International Solar Alliance focuses on promoting solar energy adoption, mobilising investments and encouraging technological cooperation to expand renewable energy capacity, particularly in developing countries.
Meanwhile, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure works towards strengthening infrastructure systems against natural disasters and climate-related risks.
India and France have been supporting these initiatives as part of their broader efforts to promote sustainable development, improve climate resilience and accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Conclusion
The latest India-France discussions underline the growing importance of bilateral cooperation in tackling climate change and promoting renewable energy. France's re-election as ISA co-president further strengthens this partnership, with both countries aiming to advance solar energy, climate finance and disaster-resilient infrastructure while preparing for COP31.