India and Japan Adopt Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

The Event

India and Japan have formally adopted the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). This adoption operationalizes the bilateral carbon credit and clean technology partnership between the two nations, which was initiated through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in August 2025. The framework establishes project approval guidelines, Third-Party Entity (TPE) validations, and national registries to track carbon credits.

Background & Context

The JCM is a bilateral framework established by the Government of Japan with partner countries to promote the diffusion of low-carbon technologies. Under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, countries are allowed to use cooperative approaches to transfer mitigation outcomes (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes - ITMOs) to meet their climate goals. The India-Japan JCM will facilitate Japanese investment in green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels, carbon capture, and high-efficiency renewable energy systems in India.

Key Statistics

• JCM Partner Countries: Japan has JCM agreements with over 29 countries globally.
• Article 6.2 Target: Helps India mobilize capital to achieve its target of reducing carbon emissions intensity by 45% by 2030.

Static GK & Related Facts

• Paris Agreement (COP21): Signed in 2015, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
• Article 6 (Paris Agreement): Governs international carbon markets and voluntary cooperation among countries.
• NDCs: Nationally Determined Contributions, which represent each country's self-defined climate action plan to reduce emissions.