India’s next water challenge is not simply securing more water. It is finding sustainable ways to expand the country’s water resources to meet growing demand.
With rapid urbanization, development of industrial corridors and water-intensive sectors being scaled up, conventional freshwater resources are under increasing pressure. Desalination is moving beyond a supplementary water source to becoming a strategic infrastructure opportunity, creating demand for new projects, advanced technologies, public-private partnerships and long-term investment.
The opportunity requires more than technology alone. It demands substantial investment in infrastructure, energy-efficient solutions, viable project models and stronger coordination between government authorities, project owners, engineering and technology providers, investors and industrial end users.
Building on the highly successful launch edition hosted in Chennai in October 2026, the 2nd India Desalination Projects Forum will convene key stakeholders to explore the country’s desalination project pipeline, address implementation challenges and unlock new partnerships and commercial opportunities.
The objective is to move the conversation beyond the need for desalination towards the projects, partnerships and commercial opportunities that will determine how India’s desalination capacity develops next.
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Strengthening India’s Water Security – Diversifying water resources beyond rainfall and groundwater through desalination, water reuse, conservation and resource efficiency.
Meeting the Demands of Economic Growth – Securing reliable water supplies for Municipal bodies, industrial corridors, manufacturing and energy infrastructure.
Advancing Sustainable Desalination – Promoting energy-efficient technologies, operational reliability and environmentally responsible practices, from seawater intake to brine management.
Connecting the Desalination Value Chain – Bringing project owners, EPC contractors, consultants, investors and technology providers together to build partnerships and advance commercial opportunities.
Mobilising Investment and Private-Sector Participation – Unlocking private capital, public-private partnerships and viable business models to accelerate desalination infrastructure development.
Bridging Policy and Project Implementation – Aligning government priorities with industry expertise, project requirements and regulatory frameworks to translate desalination plans into operational capacity.
The 2nd Bharat Desalination Projects Forum is part of the Hydro Forums Network, a growing global platform dedicated to advancing innovation, sustainability, resilience, and transformation across the water sector.
Bringing together our expertise, international events, industry partnerships, and regional networks under one global identity, Hydroforms connects policymakers, government authorities, utilities, industry leaders, researchers, and technology innovators to address the world’s most pressing water challenges.
Through a growing portfolio of international forums and collaborative initiatives, the network aims to facilitate meaningful knowledge exchange, accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions, strengthen cross-border partnerships, and contribute to the development of smarter, more resilient, and sustainable water infrastructure worldwide.
At the heart of Hydro Forums Network is a distinguished community of globally recognised water experts and international advisors, whose collective knowledge, leadership, and vision help guide the platform’s strategic direction and shape conversations about the future of water.
