India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to work closely together to improve how they manage water resources. This decision came at the 6th EU-India Water Forum, which took place during the 8th India Water Week in New Delhi. Both sides are committed to working on river basin management, sharing new technologies, and promoting sustainable water investments. They also discussed teaming up with East Africa to help solve water problems in large lakes like Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.
India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP) and Its Goals
The India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP) was started in 2016 to help India and the EU work together on water issues. It brings together scientific knowledge, technology, and policy ideas to create better ways to manage water. The IEWP is now in its third phase, focusing on critical areas such as:
- River basin management
- Climate resilience
- Urban flooding
- Water governance
The partnership works to make sure these areas are handled in a way that benefits both people and the environment.
Cooperation in River Basin Management
India and the EU have already started working together to manage rivers like the Tapi and Ramganga River Basins. As part of Phase III, they will expand their efforts to other important rivers like the Brahmaputra. So far, they have funded seven research projects worth €37.4 million to help find solutions for clean drinking water, wastewater treatment, and real-time monitoring of water systems.
These projects bring together 743 experts from both India and the EU. By focusing on these critical water challenges, they aim to help India adopt new water technologies that will benefit millions of people across the country.
India-EU Water Forum: A Platform for Collaboration
The 6th EU-India Water Forum gathered important leaders from both India and the EU, including government officials, policymakers, and business representatives. Together, they discussed the biggest challenges facing the water sector and looked for ways to share knowledge and develop new technologies.
Some of the key speakers at the event included Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti; Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of Jal Shakti; Shri Kushvinder Vohra, Chairman of the Central Water Commission; and Mr. Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India. They all expressed their strong commitment to continuing this important partnership.
Celebrating Successes and Looking Ahead
Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary praised the progress made by the India-EU Water Partnership, stating that it has greatly supported India’s efforts to manage its water resources. He highlighted that the Ministry of Jal Shakti has benefited from the strategies created through this partnership, which has helped shape a more holistic approach to water management in India.
Mr. Hervé Delphin, the EU Ambassador to India, also spoke highly of the partnership. He shared how eight years of cooperation have proven that sharing expertise can solve even the toughest water problems. He also mentioned that the EU and India are looking forward to expanding their partnership by working with Africa to share water management expertise and ensure water security across regions.
Water Challenges and Sustainable Solutions
The 6th EU-India Water Forum provided an essential platform for discussing ways to improve water management. By sharing best practices and exploring new business and research opportunities, India and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to achieving sustainable water resource management for the future.
Supporting Global Goals
The India-EU Water Partnership is part of a larger effort to support global goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The partnership is closely aligned with SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). Additionally, it contributes to SDG 15 (life on land) by promoting sustainable, green, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
A Strong Commitment to the Future
Through their ongoing partnership, India and the EU are working together to tackle global water challenges. By focusing on new technologies, sustainable investments, and policy exchanges, both regions are aiming to create a future where water resources are managed wisely and securely. This partnership not only helps the environment but also ensures that future generations will have access to clean and safe water.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
