India and Japan Adopt Rules of Implementation for Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Paris Agreement

India and Japan have adopted the Rules of Implementation (RoI) for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

The Rules of Implementation were adopted on 8 June 2026, operationalizing the framework established through the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the two countries in 2025.

The mechanism aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in:

Climate change mitigation

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction

Sustainable development

Technology transfer

Carbon credit generation and trading

The JCM is expected to facilitate investments in low-carbon technologies and support the achievement of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of both India and Japan.

What is the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)?

The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) is a bilateral carbon market mechanism under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

It allows:

Implementation of emission-reduction projects.

Transfer of low-carbon technologies.

Generation of carbon credits from verified emission reductions.

Sharing of credits between partner countries.

Under the mechanism, Japan supports climate-friendly projects in partner countries, and the resulting carbon credits contribute toward the climate targets (NDCs) of both countries.

Key Features of the Rules of Implementation

The adopted Rules of Implementation provide for:

Joint Governance Framework:

Establishment of a Joint Committee comprising representatives from India and Japan.

Oversight of project approval and implementation.

Project Approval System:

Transparent procedures for approval of emission-reduction projects.

Standardized methodologies for measuring carbon reductions.

Third-Party Validation and Verification:

Independent verification of emission reductions.

Ensures environmental integrity and credibility of carbon credits.

National Registries:

Tracking of carbon credits generated under JCM.

Monitoring issuance, transfer, and utilization of credits.

Sustainable Development Safeguards:

Projects must contribute to sustainable development goals.

Protection against environmental and social risks.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement:

Article 6 provides mechanisms for international cooperation in achieving climate goals.

Article 6.2

Allows bilateral or multilateral cooperation between countries.

Enables transfer of carbon credits known as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).

Promotes cost-effective emission reductions.

Article 6.4

Establishes a UN-supervised global carbon market mechanism.

Successor to the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

Paris Agreement

Adopted: 2015

Entered into force: 2016

Objective: Limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

Adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

NDCs are climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement outlining:

Emission reduction targets.

Adaptation measures.

Climate finance and technology needs.

India's Climate Commitments

India has pledged to:

Achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Reduce emissions intensity of GDP.

Increase non-fossil fuel energy capacity.

Expand renewable energy deployment.

Japan and JCM

Japan launched the JCM initiative in 2011.

JCM has expanded to 31 partner countries.

More than 280 projects are being implemented globally under the mechanism.

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes):

Mechanism → Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

Countries Involved → India and Japan

Framework → Article 6.2 of Paris Agreement

Objective → Emission Reduction and Carbon Credit Cooperation

Related Concept → Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs)

Related Agreement → Paris Agreement

India's Net Zero Target → 2070

Key Benefit → Technology Transfer and Climate Finance

Governing Body → India–Japan Joint Committee