New Delhi: In a significant step towards addressing global water challenges, India and the European Union (EU) agreed to enhance their collaboration in sustainable water management during the 6th EU-India Water Forum, held alongside the 8th India Water Week in New Delhi. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in river basin management, innovation, and technology transfer, while promoting sustainable investments in water infrastructure.
The forum also explored the potential for trilateral cooperation between East Africa, India, and the EU to tackle water management issues in key African water bodies such as Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika, leveraging the combined strengths of India and the EU in water technology and expertise.
Strengthening the India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP)
The India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP), established in 2016, has played a crucial role in enhancing technological, scientific, and policy frameworks for water management in both regions. Now in its Phase III, the partnership is focusing on delivering impactful and sustainable solutions in key areas, including river basin management, climate resilience, urban flooding, and water governance.
As part of this partnership, the EU and India are working together on the management of the Tapi and Ramganga River Basins. Under the current phase, the collaboration will expand to include the Brahmaputra Basin. Seven research and innovation projects, co-funded by both the EU and India with a total investment of €37.4 million (EU contributing €23.4 million and India €14 million), are underway. These projects focus on critical areas such as drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, and real-time monitoring systems for water management. The IEWP will also help bring these cutting-edge technologies to market in India.
Forum Unites Government and Industry Leaders
The high-impact forum brought together government officials, policymakers, experts, and business leaders from both regions to tackle water sector challenges and forge innovative solutions. Notable attendees included Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti; Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary (Jal Shakti); Kushvinder Vohra, Chairman of the Central Water Commission; and Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India.
Speaking at the plenary session, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary praised the achievements of the India-EU Water Partnership and emphasized its significant contribution to India’s water sector. He highlighted how the partnership supports the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s strategy for holistic water resource management in India.
Hervé Delphin expressed the EU’s eagerness to deepen its collaboration with India under the existing water cooperation framework. He remarked, “Eight years of collaboration have shown us that when we share expertise, we can tackle even the most pressing water challenges. Team-Europe is keen to work together with Africa and India to bring our collective expertise to develop innovative water management solutions and foster regional water security.”
Focus on Sustainable Investments and Global Goals
The 6th EU-India Water Forum emphasized the importance of sustainable investments and business opportunities in the water sector, aligning with India’s National 2030 Agenda and the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. This strategy promotes sustainable investments, connectivity, and infrastructure development focused on green, digital, and inclusive growth.
The IEWP is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (life on land), and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). By promoting sustainable, green, and climate-resilient infrastructure, the partnership is playing a vital role in addressing global water challenges.
