India and Japan have launched the operational manual for their Joint Crediting Mechanism, a key step in their bilateral carbon market cooperation. The manual was launched in New Delhi on September 30 and announced on October 5.

Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, and Environment Ministry Secretary Tanmay Kumar jointly launched the manual. It works under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to cooperate on climate targets through carbon credit transfers.

The mechanism aims to bring advanced low-carbon technology to India, mobilize climate finance and support high-integrity emission cuts. The manual lays out the full project cycle, from submitting a project idea note to the issue of carbon credits.

The launch follows a memorandum of cooperation signed on August 7, 2025, and rules of implementation adopted on June 8, 2026. Officials said it moves the partnership from preparation to actual implementation.

The framework is expected to give project developers a clear path to earn carbon credits while helping both countries meet their climate goals. It also aims to build trust in international carbon markets.