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The ninth India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 is being held in New Delhi from September 22, bringing policymakers, water experts, researchers, industry representatives and international stakeholders together to discuss evolving challenges in water management. Organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and inaugurated by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, the five-day event is being held at Bharat Mandapam from September 22 to 26. The theme of this year’s event is “Climate Resilient Water Management.” It seeks practical solutions to shared water challenges.
Why is India International Water Week important?
India International Water Week offers a platform for governments, international organisations, academia, industry, civil society, start-ups and young professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss solutions for water security. The 2026 event focuses on linking policy, technology, financing and community participation to develop sustainable and climate-resilient water management practices.
The Netherlands and Germany are participating as partner countries, while 14 Indian states are participating as partner states. The programme includes ministerial and global water leaders’ plenaries, country and thematic forums, practitioners’ discussions, and startup, youth and industrial forums.
Main issues on the agenda
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, discussions will cover inclusive and equitable water governance, efficient use of water resources, technology and community participation, climate-related water risks, innovative financing for water infrastructure, sustainable water-resource management, and water for people and the planet.
An international exhibition and technology event is being organised from September 22 to 25 to present technologies, products and solutions aimed at sustainable and climate-resilient water management.
International WASH Conference
The Second International WASH Conference 2026 is also taking place from September 22 to 24 by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. It focuses on drinking water access, sanitation infrastructure, hygiene behaviour and public health, with emphasis on scalable, affordable and sustainable solutions.
What Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan inaugurated the event and emphasised the need of conserving, storing, managing and using water sustainably. He said climate change is making rainfall patterns less predictable and called for an integrated approach involving river-basin management, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.
He urged for cooperation between states on inter-state water issues and discussed river-linking projects as a way of resolving water availability across regions. The week will conclude with a valedictory session on September 25, followed by study tours on September 26.