The Ministry of Jal Shakti will organize the 9th edition of India International Water Week (IIWW-2026) on the theme “Climate Resilient Water Management” from 22nd to 26th September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Marking the commencement of the event, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, launched IIWW-2026 at Shram Shakti Bhavan, New Delhi, today, where he released the official brochure and made the IIWW-2026 website portal live.
The programme was graced by the presence of Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Shri V. L. Kantha Rao; Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Shri Ashok K. K. Meena; Director General, National Water Development Agency, Shri Baleshwar Thakur; Chairman, Central Water Commission, Shri Anupam Prasad; Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Water Mission, Ms. Archana Varma; along with senior officials of the Ministry.
In his address, the Minister highlighted the key features of the upcoming event and expressed confidence that IIWW-2026 will bring together experts, planners, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in water management.
During the media interaction, the Union Minister underscored the importance of sustained water conservation efforts as a cornerstone for achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the clarion call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the launch of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari in September 2024, urging citizens to make water conservation a mass movement.
He underlined that over 60 lakh artificial recharge and water conservation structures have already been created under the initiative and expressed confidence that the target of one crore structures will be achieved by May 2026. The Minister further stated that, as per the directions of the Prime Minister, a significant share of expenditure under MGNREGS/VB G RAM G, ranging from 65% to 30%, have been earmarked for water conservation activities.
The five-day conference to be held in September will feature bilateral meetings and a wide range of sessions, including Ministerial Plenary, Global Water Leaders’ Plenary (GWLPLN), Water Leaders’ Forum (WLF), Practitioners’ Forum (PF), Country Forum, Thematic Forum (TF), Youth Forum (YF), and Start-up Forum.
The Thematic Forum will cover sub-themes such as inclusive and equitable water governance, collaboration for optimal use of water resources, technology and community for water security, water in climate-related risks, innovative financing models for water infrastructure and modernization, sustainable water resources management, and water for people and the planet.
Special sessions and events involving Ministries, Departments, international organizations, young professionals, school children, NGOs, and success stories will further enhance the inclusivity of the conference. The event will include 49 sessions across various themes in the water sector. Around 150 countries have been invited to participate, with 11 countries expected to join as partner countries.
Additionally, all 84 Central Government Ministries/Departments and 36 States/UTs have been invited, with about six Central Ministries and 16 States/UTs likely to partner in the event. A state-of-the-art exhibition, spread over four days at Hall No. 14GF, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will provide a platform for business opportunities and enable participants to connect with prospective partners and customers.
The final day of the event will include field visits. The Second International WASH Conference-2026 will also be held from 22nd to 24th September 2026 as part of IIWW-2026, bringing together experts, researchers, and practitioners to address key challenges in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
The Ministry has invited participation from foreign countries, partner countries, national and international organizations, Ministries, Departments, State Governments, NGOs, industries, exhibitors, and all stakeholders working in the water sector to make the event a success. The IIWW-2026 website (https://www.indiawaterweek.in/) is now operational and open for delegate registration.