The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Japan have jointly launched the Operational Manual for the India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). The manual was unveiled on 30 September 2026 by Japan’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Keiichi Ono, and the then Secretary of the Ministry, Shri Tanmay Kumar, in New Delhi. This manual provides the detailed procedures needed to operationalize bilateral cooperation between the two countries on climate action and low-carbon development.
The JCM is a framework designed to promote the deployment of advanced low-carbon technologies in India, mobilize climate finance, enable technology cooperation, and support high-integrity emission reductions. The mechanism operates under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, an international climate accord that allows countries to cooperate on carbon credit schemes.
Key facts
- Operational Manual launched on 30 September 2026
- Launched by Japan’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Keiichi Ono, and India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary, Shri Tanmay Kumar
- Memorandum of Cooperation signed on 7 August 2025
- Rule of Implementation adopted on 8 June 2026
- Framework operates under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement
What is the Joint Crediting Mechanism?
The India-Japan JCM is a bilateral agreement that allows the two countries to work together on climate mitigation projects. Under this mechanism, Japan can support India in deploying technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In return, India generates carbon credits from these emission reductions, which Japan can use towards its own climate targets under international agreements. This arrangement benefits both nations: India gets access to advanced technology and climate finance, while Japan meets its emission reduction commitments through verified climate projects in India.
What the operational manual covers
The Operational Manual establishes a clear, transparent and comprehensive framework for all activities under the India-Japan JCM. It sets out detailed procedures that cover the entire project cycle, beginning with the submission of a Project Idea Note and extending through to the issuance and authorization of JCM credits. The manual effectively moves the bilateral partnership from the planning and preparation stage into active implementation, ensuring both countries follow consistent and standardized procedures when developing and approving climate projects.
Path to this agreement
The launch of the operational manual represents the culmination of a phased process. The two countries first signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on 7 August 2025, establishing their intent to collaborate under the JCM. Subsequently, on 8 June 2026, they adopted the Rule of Implementation, which set out the institutional and procedural framework. The operational manual, launched four months later, completes this foundation by providing the practical, step-by-step guidance needed for projects to be submitted, evaluated, implemented and credited.
How this supports climate goals
The JCM aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development and its climate action objectives under the Paris Agreement. By facilitating the transfer of low-carbon technologies from Japan to India, the mechanism enables Indian industries and sectors to reduce emissions while modernizing their operations. Simultaneously, the framework strengthens confidence and transparency in international carbon markets by establishing clear rules for how emission reductions are measured, verified and credited. This builds trust among nations participating in global climate cooperation.
What this means for you
If you work in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture or waste management, this mechanism could affect your organization. Companies and institutions in India may become eligible to participate in JCM projects, gaining access to Japanese technology and financing for climate-friendly upgrades. For competitive exam aspirants and students studying international relations, climate policy or environmental law, the JCM represents a practical example of how countries operationalize Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. For Indian citizens, the deployment of low-carbon technologies supported by this mechanism could contribute to cleaner air and water in the long term, while also creating opportunities in green industries.