A headquarters agreement between India and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was signed in New Delhi yesterday, reports UNB. On March 11 last, President Abdul Hamid participated in the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance and Solar Summit jointly hosted by India and France in New Delhi.

The participating states adopted the Delhi Solar Agenda. In his speech at the conference, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a 10-point agenda in terms of the way forward; and in particular called for making the ISA Secretariat strong and professional.

The International Solar Alliance was established on December 6, 2017 following the fulfillment of the conditions laid down in the framework agreement on the establishment of the ISA, according to Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

The agreement has provisions covering legal status, capacity and freedom of assembly, headquarters, other premises for temporary use, the ISA Secretariat property, funds and assets, waiver of privileges and immunities, settlement of disputes, supplemental agreements, general provisions, entry into force and duration.

Accordingly, the government of India recognises the international legal personality of the ISA.

The ISA Secretariat shall enjoy independence and freedom of action in the furtherance of its official functions and shall have the rights to display its logo, flag and other identifiers, on its programs, premises and vehicles.

The government of India shall provide support of INR 125 crore to ISA for creating corpus, building infrastructure and recurring expenditure over five years duration from 2016-17 to 2020-21.