India and the Netherlands have strengthened strategic partnership and cooperation in the water sector. Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil and Vice Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands, Jaap Slootmaker today chaired a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 9th India International Water Week 2026.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review and further strengthen India-Netherlands cooperation in the water sector with particular focus on advancing technical cooperation for the Kalpasar Project in Gujarat. The project envisages creation of a freshwater reservoir using runoff from the Sabarmati, Mahi and Dhadhar rivers, supplemented by water conveyed from the Narmada River.
As part of the bilateral engagement, two Tripartite Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to facilitate cooperation for the Kalpasar Project between the Central Water Commission, Kalpasar Department, Government of Gujarat, and Dutch knowledge institutions Deltares and TU Delft.
Mr Patil expressed happiness that Deltares and TU Delft entered into MoUs with their Indian counterparts to deepen cooperation in the execution of the Kalpasar Project and capacity building. He said that the MoUs will provide a strong basis for both countries to work together towards the successful execution of the project.
