India, European Union ink pact on water cooperation

The MoU aimed to strengthen the technological, scientific and management capabilities of both India and the EU in the field of water management on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit, a statement said. It also envisaged to identify key environmental issues and approaches to sustainable development, where exchange of experiences and cooperation could be mutually beneficial to strengthen and further develop cooperation between India and the EU in the field of water management. 

The agreement was inked between Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Uma Bharti, and Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission, Karmenu Vella on Friday. India and the EU endeavour to encourage and promote cooperation on the India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP), which brings together representatives of relevant stakeholders, including interested EU member states and Indian states, European and Indian institutions, businesses and civil society.

In this regard, India and EU aimed to exchange views on regulatory approaches, including procurement, governance, best practices, business solutions and research and innovation opportunities in the water field in India and Europe and especially the ongoing exchange of information on cooperation under major river conventions, such as the Danube and the Rhine.