India has signed the Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) to officially establish the Alliance’s Secretariat in India.
- The Union Cabinet had already approved the signing and ratification of the agreement on October 3.
- The ministry noted that this agreement will enable the GBA to set up its Secretariat in India with a combination of Indian and international staff, which will help it achieve its goals.
- Additionally, the agreement grants GBA legal status, including privileges and immunities under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act of 1947, facilitating the smooth execution of its functions while adhering to India’s laws.
Global Biofuels Alliance
- The Global Biofuels Alliance was launched on September 9, 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency by the Indian Prime Minister and leaders of eight other countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Italy, Mauritius, Singapore, the UAE, and the USA.
- This unique multi stakeholder initiative aims to promote the global use of biofuels by addressing key challenges such as feedstock availability, developing favourable policy frameworks, and improving the biomass supply chain.
- Additionally, the GBA seeks to attract investment into biofuel production, particularly for clean cooking, while also working towards defining common technical standards and certifications for biofuels to encourage their global adoption.
- Since its launch, the Alliance has seen tremendous growth. In less than a year, its membership has increased to 27 countries and 12 international organizations.
