India International Water Week 2026: V-P Radhakrishnan to inaugurate 5-day global meet on Sep 22
Synopsis
India's largest annual water-sector gathering returns on 22 September, with Vice President Radhakrishnan set to open the 9th edition of the India International Water Week at Bharat Mandapam. With Germany and the Netherlands as partner countries, 14 partner states, and a parallel WASH conference, IIWW 2026 is the Centre's most ambitious push yet to translate water-sector dialogue into implementable, climate-resilient solutions.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan will inaugurate IIWW 2026 on 22 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi .
The five-day event runs from 22–26 September under the theme 'Climate Resilient Water Management' .
The Netherlands and Germany are partner countries; 14 states and 6 Central Ministries are participating partners.
A four-day international exhibition (22–25 September) will showcase water-tech innovations and sustainable solutions.
The Second International WASH Conference 2026 (22–24 September) will run concurrently, focusing on drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Deliberations conclude with a Valedictory Session on 25 September , followed by study tours on 26 September .
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 on 22 September at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, launching a five-day global dialogue on water security and climate resilience. The event, themed 'Climate Resilient Water Management', runs from 22–26 September 2026 and is among the largest annual water-sector gatherings in Asia.
Key Participants and Organisation
Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil will address delegates and share India's experiences on the central theme. The event is organised by the Jal Shakti Ministry in collaboration with key Central Ministries, State Governments, international organisations, research and academic institutions, industry bodies, development partners, civil society, and private sector partners, according to an official statement.
The Netherlands and Germany will participate as partner countries. 14 states will join as partner states, while six Central Ministries and Departments have been invited as partner ministries — reflecting the breadth of institutional engagement.
Agenda and Focus Areas
The IIWW 2026 aims to move beyond dialogue to practical, collaborative, and implementable solutions. Deliberations will cover a wide range of themes including inclusive and equitable water governance; collaboration for optimal use of water resources; technology and community-led approaches to water security; water in climate-related risk; innovative financing models for water infrastructure; sustainable water resources management; and water for people and the planet.
A four-day international exhibition running from 22–25 September will showcase innovative technologies, products, and solutions for sustainable and climate-resilient water management. The event will bring together policymakers, global water leaders, experts, researchers, practitioners, industry representatives, civil society organisations, and young professionals.
Second International WASH Conference 2026
Running alongside IIWW, the Second International WASH Conference 2026 — organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation from 22–24 September — will focus on drinking water access, sanitation infrastructure, hygiene behaviour, and public health. The conference will emphasise scalable, affordable, and sustainable solutions in the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector.
Closing Session and Study Tours
The deliberations will culminate in a Valedictory Session on 25 September 2026, followed by study tours on 26 September 2026. The IIWW has grown into a significant platform for bringing diverse stakeholders from India and across the world together to exchange experiences, showcase innovations, and strengthen cooperation in the water sector. The outcomes of IIWW 2026 are expected to feed into actionable recommendations, new partnerships, and scalable solutions linking policy, financing, technology, and community participation.
Point of View
But the gap between its high-profile declarations and on-ground water outcomes remains a concern — the country still faces acute groundwater depletion, erratic monsoons, and inequitable urban-rural water access. The inclusion of Germany and the Netherlands as partner countries is significant: both have deep expertise in delta management and integrated water governance that India's river-stressed geographies urgently need. The real measure of IIWW 2026 will not be the breadth of its agenda but whether its 'actionable recommendations' are tracked and reported in subsequent editions. Without a public accountability mechanism, the event risks being a high-quality annual conversation that does not move the needle on India's water security index.
NationPress
20 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India International Water Week 2026?
The India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 is a five-day international event on water management being held from 22–26 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Now in its 9th edition, it is organised by the Jal Shakti Ministry and brings together policymakers, water experts, researchers, industry, and civil society from India and abroad to advance climate-resilient water solutions.
Who will inaugurate IIWW 2026 and what is the theme?
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the event on 22 September 2026. The theme for IIWW 2026 is 'Climate Resilient Water Management', with a focus on moving from dialogue to practical, scalable solutions.
Which countries and states are participating in IIWW 2026?
The Netherlands and Germany are participating as partner countries. A total of 14 Indian states are partner states, while six Central Ministries and Departments have been invited as partner ministries.
What is the Second International WASH Conference 2026?
The Second International WASH Conference 2026 is a concurrent event running from 22–24 September, organised 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 topics will be discussed at IIWW 2026?
IIWW 2026 will cover inclusive and equitable water governance, optimal use of water resources, technology and community-based approaches to water security, water in climate-related risk, innovative financing for water infrastructure, sustainable water resources management, and water for people and the planet. An international exhibition from 22–25 September will showcase water-tech innovations.
