India and African nations discuss water security at New Delhi roundtable

During the 9th India International Water Week 2026 in New Delhi, India hosted a high-level roundtable focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) with representatives from 22 African nations.

The discussions aimed to strengthen partnerships to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and advance climate-resilient water security. India shared expertise and lessons learned from its own initiatives, specifically the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin, to explore cooperation on shared challenges.

Ashok KK Meena, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, emphasized that India's progress in rural water supply and sanitation is rooted in public health, women's empowerment, and community ownership. He highlighted the role of decentralized governance through Gram Panchayats and noted that over 2.48 million women have been trained in water-quality surveillance using Field Testing Kits.