India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism gets an operational manual under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement
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UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for their Joint Crediting Mechanism in New Delhi on 30 September 2026. Under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, the mechanism lets Japanese low-carbon technology be deployed in India and the resulting emission cuts be issued as credits. The manual sets the full project cycle, from idea note to credit issuance.
- Launched
- 30 Sep 2026, New Delhi
- Basis
- Article 6.2, Paris Agreement
- MoC signed
- 7 Aug 2025
- Rules of Implementation
- 8 Jun 2026
- Covers
- Project Idea Note → credit issuance and authorisation
India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism: what happened?
Carbon markets let one country pay for emission cuts in another and count part of them. Article 6.2 allows such bilateral deals; this is India’s working example with Japan.
- On 30 Sep 2026, Japan’s Ambassador and the MoEFCC Secretary launched the Operational Manual for the India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) [PIB].
- The manual sets procedures for the full project cycle, from Project Idea Note to issuance and authorisation of JCM credits [PIB].
How does a bilateral crediting deal work?
India-Japan JCM steps
- Memorandum of Cooperation (7 Aug 2025)
- Rules of Implementation (8 Jun 2026)
- Operational Manual (30 Sep 2026)
- Project Idea Note submitted
- Project registered, emissions cut and verified
- JCM credits issued and authorised
Why does India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism matter?
- Climate: Brings advanced low-carbon technology and finance to India.
- Markets: Builds trust and transparency in international carbon markets.
What can Prelims ask on India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism?
- Article 6.2 = bilateral cooperative approaches (internationally transferred mitigation outcomes).
- Article 6.4 = UN-supervised mechanism.
- India-Japan JCM manual: 30 Sep 2026.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB, MoEFCC (2026-10-05): on 30 Sep 2026, Japan's Ambassador and the MoEFCC Secretary launched the Operational Manual for the India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
- Article 6 carbon markets were directly asked in Prelims 2025; bilateral crediting is a fresh example.
Quotable data pointOn 30 Sep 2026, Japan's Ambassador and the MoEFCC Secretary launched the Operational Manual for the India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
PIB, MoEFCC: India and Japan launch Operational Manual for the JCM, 5 Oct 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: Article 6 sub-parts. · Mains GS-III: carbon markets.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
The India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism operates under which provision of the Paris Agreement?
Answer (c) & explanation
PIB, 5 Oct 2026.
Which Paris Agreement article sets up a UN-supervised crediting mechanism?
Answer (b) & explanation
Article 6.4 creates the centralised mechanism; 6.2 covers bilateral approaches.
Questions students ask about this
What is the India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism?
A bilateral arrangement under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement to deploy low-carbon technology in India and issue credits for verified emission reductions.
What does the Operational Manual do?
It sets procedures for the whole project cycle, from Project Idea Note to issuance and authorisation of JCM credits.
When was the MoC signed?
On 7 August 2025.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB, MoEFCC: India and Japan launch Operational Manual for the JCM, 5 Oct 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending