“India’s Water Vision 2047 driven by 5P framework: Political Leadership, Public Financing, Partnerships, Public Participation and Persuasion for Sustainability”: Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti

Water Security is Economic Security;  Leaders Call for Greater Investment, Innovation and Collaboration for Water Security : 12th CII Water Innovation Summit 2026

“Water security is not only an environmental imperative but a foundation for economic growth, public well-being and sustainable development. The choices we make today in managing, conserving and reusing water will determine the strength and resilience of India’s future economy,” said Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India in his special address at the CII 12th Water Innovation Summit 2026 – “Water and Economy” organised by CII Water Institute in New Delhi today.

Outlining the Government of India's vision for Water Vision 2047 noted that the Government’s water strategy is anchored in the 5P framework - Political Leadership, Public Financing, Partnerships, Public Participation, and Persuasion for Sustainability. Emphasizing the importance of public participation, technology-driven water management, and a circular water economy, he highlighted the significant progress made through flagship initiatives such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari.

Highlighting the Government’s focus on creating a circular water economy and the ambitious targets for wastewater recycling he stressed on the adoption of digital technologies, smart monitoring systems, and modern irrigation practices to enhance water-use efficiency across sectors by the Indian industry. He urged industry to complement government efforts through innovation, responsible water stewardship, and investments that strengthen local water security and climate resilience.

Mr Mukund Narayanamurti, Minister Commercial and Head of Austrade South Asia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), underscored the critical role of water in enabling economic prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development. he highlighted the vast opportunities for India-Australia collaboration as India and Australia share common water challenges and opportunities despite differing geographies.

Drawing upon Australia's experience in water governance, water accounting, wastewater reuse, irrigation efficiency, and drought resilience, he called for deeper collaboration between both the countries for advancing knowledge exchange, capacity building, innovation, and development of practical solutions that strengthen long-term water security and resilience in both countries.

Mr R Mukundan, President, CII and Managing Director & CEO, Tata Chemicals Ltd., emphasized that while India receives adequate rainfall, the key challenge lies in effective water management, conservation, and equitable distribution. Sharing Tata Chemicals’ journey towards becoming a net water-positive enterprise, he stressed the importance of viewing water through the lenses of livelihoods, ecosystems, and economic growth. He called upon industry to commit to water-positive growth models through greater collaboration with government, communities, and global partners, thereby contributing to not only Vikisit but also a Surakshit and Saksham Bharat.

Mr Nikhil Sawhney, Chairman, CII-Triveni Water Institute and Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Triveni Turbine Ltd., highlighted that water is no longer merely an environmental resource; it is a critical economic asset, a key input to growth, and increasingly an economic risk. He emphasized that addressing water challenges requires moving beyond commitments to measurable action and outcomes.

Stressing the need for an integrated water management approach, he noted that India must balance its growing economic aspirations with water security and ecological sustainability.  Mr Sawhney underscored the importance of scientific assessments, data-driven planning, and responsible water stewardship, while calling for stronger collaboration among government, industry, and communities to improve water-use efficiency, build resilience against climate variability, and create measurable impact through evidence-based action.

Mr Indraneel Dutt, Co-Chairman, CII Mission on Water and MD & CEO, Ion Exchange India Pvt. Ltd., noted that water security is increasingly becoming a critical driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and business resilience and investing in water security is investing in economic security.  He stressed the importance of innovation, technology adoption, efficiency, and responsible water stewardship in accelerating India’s transition towards a water-secure future. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the CII. Mission on Water to drive industry-led collective action through initiatives such as the 2030 Water Neutral Industry Group.

The 2-day Summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers, water experts, and international partners to deliberate on the growing interlinkages between water security, economic growth, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

New Delhi

6 October 2026