A delegation of Indian water experts and industry leaders recently visited Israel to explore its advanced water management and desalination technologies. Organized by the Israeli Embassy in India, the seven-day knowledge-sharing trip aimed to foster partnerships between Indian private companies and Israeli innovators in the water sector.
Israel is globally recognized for its cutting-edge approach to water management. Over 80% of its drinking water comes from desalination, and the country recycles nearly 90% of its wastewater—the highest rate in the world. Since 2005, Israel has produced more than 585 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, using reverse osmosis technology that filters seawater through ultra-fine membranes to remove salt and impurities.
The Indian delegation included representatives from major companies such as Adani, WABAG, Larsen & Toubro, JWIL, BVG India Limited, and Iota Water, as well as experts from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). They toured desalination plants and met with officials from the Israel Water Authority, who encouraged Indian firms to participate in upcoming tenders—including one for the Emek Hefer desalination plant, projected to be among the largest in the world.
Indian Ambassador to Israel, J.P. Singh, emphasized that while India and Israel differ geographically, India can still adopt Israel’s strategic frameworks and technologies to address its own water challenges. With India projected to face severe water stress by 2030, such collaborations could be vital.
Israel also plans to invest €350 million annually in expanding wastewater treatment infrastructure, presenting further opportunities for Indian companies to engage in joint ventures and technology transfer.
(Source: The Print)