Bahamas Joins International Solar Alliance as 116th Member Country at 9th ISA Assembly

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 116th member country on 4 November 2026, following the submission of its Instrument of Accession to the ISA Framework Agreement.

The formal accession took place during the 9th Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly, held in New Delhi, India.

The Instrument of Accession was handed over by Peter Nicholas Symonette Jr., High Commissioner of the Bahamas, to P. S. Gangadhar, Joint Secretary, Economic Diplomacy and Head of Depository.

The development strengthens international cooperation in solar energy and expands the participation of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the global transition towards renewable energy.

Key Highlights

Bahamas Formally Joins the International Solar Alliance

The Bahamas officially joined the ISA after submitting its Instrument of Accession to the organisation’s Framework Agreement.

An Instrument of Accession is a formal document through which a country expresses its consent to become legally bound by an international agreement.

The accession ceremony took place during the ninth ISA Assembly in New Delhi.

By joining the alliance, the Bahamas can participate in international solar energy programmes, technical cooperation initiatives and collaborative projects aimed at increasing the use of solar power.

What Is the International Solar Alliance?

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organisation established to promote solar energy deployment and strengthen cooperation among countries.

The initiative was jointly launched by India and France in 2015, on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris.

The ISA Framework Agreement entered into force on 6 December 2017.

The organisation’s headquarters is located in Gurugram, Haryana, India.

Major Objectives of ISA

• Promote affordable and sustainable solar energy.

• Encourage investment in solar energy infrastructure.

• Provide technical assistance and capacity building.

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and technology cooperation.

• Support solar energy deployment in developing countries.

• Improve access to clean energy in vulnerable regions.

Why Is Bahamas’ Membership Important?

The Bahamas is a Small Island Developing State located in the Caribbean region.

Small island nations often face challenges related to energy security, dependence on imported fossil fuels and vulnerability to climate-related risks.

Participation in the ISA provides opportunities for the Bahamas to strengthen its solar energy sector through international collaboration.

Major Benefits for the Bahamas

Technical expertise: Access to knowledge, training and technical support for solar energy development.

Investment opportunities: Participation in collaborative funding and investment facilitation initiatives.

Energy diversification: Greater opportunities to expand renewable electricity generation.

International cooperation: Collaboration with other ISA member countries on solar technologies and policies.

Climate resilience: Support for developing more sustainable and resilient energy systems.

ISA’s Focus on Developing Countries

The International Solar Alliance places particular emphasis on supporting countries that face financial, technological and infrastructure-related challenges in expanding renewable energy.

Its programmes are especially relevant for:

• Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

• Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

• Other developing countries seeking to expand solar energy access.

Through technical assistance, knowledge sharing and investment facilitation, ISA aims to reduce barriers to solar energy adoption.

About the 9th ISA Assembly

The ninth session of the ISA Assembly was held in New Delhi in November 2026.

The Assembly is the principal decision-making body of the International Solar Alliance and provides a platform for member countries to discuss solar energy cooperation, programmes and organisational priorities.

The accession of the Bahamas as the 116th member country was an important development associated with the session.