The European Union and India have reinforced their commitment to sustainable water management through an agreement reached at the 6th EU-India Water Forum, held today during the 8th India Water Week. This forum underscored both parties’ dedication to advancing river basin management, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable investments. A notable focus was on exploring trilateral cooperation with East Africa, aiming to address challenges faced by major water bodies like Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.
The India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP), established in 2016, is currently in its third phase. This phase emphasizes developing effective solutions in river basin management, climate resilience, urban flooding, and water governance. The forum brought together government officials, policymakers, experts, and businesses from both regions to address critical water issues and collaborate on innovative solutions.
During the plenary session, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India, highlighted the achievements and future goals of the partnership. Choudhary praised the IEWP’s contributions to India’s water sector, stating, “The India-EU Water Partnership has significantly supported our strategies for holistic water resource management.”
Ambassador Delphin expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing collaboration: “The EU and Team Europe are delighted to be part of the 8th India Water Week and to host the 6th EU-India Water Forum. Our eight years of collaboration have demonstrated that shared expertise can overcome significant water challenges. We look forward to deepening our partnership with India and expanding our efforts to include Africa, enhancing regional water security and innovation.”
Under the IEWP, both regions are working on river management projects for the Tapi and Ramganga River Basins, with future plans to extend to the Brahmaputra Basin. The partnership has co-funded seven research projects totaling €37.4 million, focusing on advanced water technologies such as purification, wastewater treatment, and real-time monitoring systems.
The 6th EU-India Water Forum remains a crucial platform for discussing water sector challenges, sharing best practices, and fostering business and research opportunities. This ongoing collaboration reaffirms the commitment of both India and the EU to sustainable water management, ensuring resources are effectively managed for future generations.