By — Dilip Guha

 With India’s water security challenges becoming increasingly intertwined with climate resilience, industrial growth and sustainable development, the 21st edition of the EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026 opened at Bharat Mandapam on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology innovators and researchers to chart the future of water management.

Organised by the Earth Water Foundation, the three-day expo is built around the theme “Shaping the Future of Water Through Innovation, Sustainability and Collaboration,” positioning itself as one of the country’s foremost platforms for advancing water and wastewater technologies, policy dialogue and business partnerships.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, who formally inaugurated the event following the traditional Jal Kalash Ceremony. The opening session, titled “India Water Mandate 2030,” set the tone for deliberations on India’s evolving water priorities, focusing on innovation, policy reforms, technology adoption and sustainable water governance.

The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Ms Shivani Ghorawat, Founder of the Earth Water Foundation, followed by a leadership address by Dr Ambika Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, ASSOCHAM. Mr Siddharth K. Desai, Co-Chair, ASSOCHAM National Council on Water and Joint Managing Director of KISHOR Pumps, outlined the strategic context of the discussions. At the same time, Mr Turbaashu Bhattacharya, Co-Chair of the Council, delivered the vote of thanks.

Addressing delegates, Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary underscored the critical role of collaborative water management in India’s long-term development vision.

“Water is at the heart of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Achieving this vision requires a collective approach where government, industry, technology innovators, researchers and communities work together to build sustainable, resilient and future-ready water systems. Innovation, policy and circular water management will play a defining role in ensuring long-term water security and inclusive development.”

Reflecting on the evolution of the platform over two decades, Ms Shivani Ghorawat said: “When we started this platform, India’s water conversation happened in silos. Twenty-one editions later, EAW has become a platform where policymakers, industry, technology providers and water professionals come together to transform ideas into action for a more sustainable water future.”

Industry Leaders Focus on Circular Water Economy

The opening day featured the ASSOCHAM Water Leaders Summit on “Navigating India’s Water Transition: Technology, Policy and Circularity,” where experts deliberated on industrial water security, AI-enabled water management, circular economy practices and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The CEO’s Water Leadership Forum, moderated by Mr Shankar Venkateswaran, brought together senior executives from IOTA Group, WOG Group, VA Tech Wabag and Microfilter Polymers Limited, who discussed emerging technologies, collaborative models and investment opportunities for strengthening industrial water resilience.

Designed as an integrated business and knowledge platform, the Expo combines five pillars—Exhibition, Conference, Business, Market Access and Knowledge—bringing together utilities, government agencies, startups, MSMEs, technology providers, researchers and investors. Alongside the Global Water Business Lounge, the Innovation Spotlight Arena is showcasing new technologies, product launches and startup-led solutions addressing critical water challenges.

Innovation Takes Centre Stage

Several exhibitors/ participants are showcasing next-generation solutions aimed at improving water treatment, purification, recycling and conservation. Among them are

Ion Robinson India is presenting its range of advanced filtration and purification products, including activated carbon, anthracite coal and ion exchange resins. With customers across India and exports to East and South Africa, Kenya and Bhutan, the company is strengthening its international footprint in industrial water treatment technologies. Ion Robinson India has established itself as a respected manufacturer and exporter of high‑performance filtration and purification materials. Since its inception, the company has earned a strong reputation across water treatment, mining, chemical processing, and environmental sectors by delivering reliable, cost‑effective solutions backed by deep technical expertise.

Enbio Green Solutions, based in Faridabad, is highlighting environmentally sustainable technologies for wastewater management, desalination, recycling and zero liquid discharge systems. The ISO 9001:2015-certified company manufactures STP, ETP, WTP and ZLD plants, offering low-carbon, eco-friendly solutions for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and textiles to sugar and dairy.

New Delhi-based Mediqua Solutions has introduced its latest innovation in home water purification — a Hydrogen-Rich Alkaline Water Ioniser. The system moves beyond conventional RO or alkaline technologies by combining advanced purification methods with molecular hydrogen enrichment. The product delivers hydrogen-rich water for antioxidant support and balanced alkaline water for daily hydration, designed to meet the needs of modern homes and health-conscious families. Mediqua emphasises that its approach is not hype-driven, with every claim backed by research and evidence. The company highlights a philosophy of Health + Sustainability together, not separately, ensuring that wellness and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. The product delivers hydrogen-rich water for antioxidant support and balanced alkaline water for daily hydration, catering to the needs of modern homes and health-conscious families.

With this launch, Mediqua Solutions positions itself at the forefront of next-generation water treatment, offering a blend of wellness, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.

Specifically engineered for Indian homes and water conditions, the ioniser reflects a deep understanding of local requirements. Mediqua also promotes a vision of long-term wellness, encouraging a mindset shift from quick fixes to lasting health improvements.

The South Asia Rainwater Harvesting Network (SARNET), Colombo/Kandy, is showcasing regional best practices in rainwater harvesting and water conservation. Established following the SAARC Ministerial Declaration on Rainwater Harvesting, the network serves as a collaborative platform for governments, institutions and practitioners across South Asia to promote research, knowledge-sharing and sustainable rainwater management.

It has been established to lead regional efforts in building an effective network on rainwater harvesting and to generate evidence of best practices across South Asia. Its mission is to connect individuals, governing bodies, organisations, and institutions specialising in rainwater harvesting, while serving as a repository of knowledge, experience, and technology to promote sustainable solutions.

Interest in rainwater harvesting has grown significantly in recent years. In September 2006, Sri Lanka hosted a Regional Forum on Rainwater Harvesting in Kandy, attended by SAARC water ministers, professionals, and local practitioners. The forum’s Ministerial Declaration called for the creation of a Secretariat to sustain collaboration, with Sri Lanka chosen as the initial host.

Further emphasis came at the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo (2008), where leaders highlighted the need for capacity building and research in rainwater harvesting to address the region’s looming water scarcity challenges.

Looking Ahead

The Expo will continue over the next two days with the World Sustainable Water Summit, technical sessions on water infrastructure, financing, water reuse, rainwater harvesting and regional cooperation, alongside specialised masterclasses under the EAW Water Academy.

As India works towards strengthening water security amid growing climate and urbanisation challenges, EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026 aims to foster partnerships, accelerate technological innovation and encourage sustainable solutions that support the country’s long-term water resilience.

Over the next two days, the Expo will host the World Sustainable Water Summit, discussions on water infrastructure, financing, rainwater harvesting, water reuse and regional collaboration, along with technical masterclasses under the EAW Water Academy. EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026 aims to strengthen partnerships, promote innovation and accelerate sustainable water solutions for India’s future.