MRC and India Sign Partnership to Strengthen Water Security and Climate Resilience

Vientiane, Lao PDR, 30 June 2026 - The Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Government of the Republic of India today signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on water security, climate resilience, disaster risk management, clean energy technology, and sustainable river basin development.

At a time when the Mekong region is facing rising climate risks, more frequent floods and droughts, growing energy demand, and increasing pressure on water resources, the partnership provides a five-year framework for the MRC and India to work together on practical solutions that support sustainable and inclusive development.

H.E. Mr Yogeshwar Sangwan, Ambassador of India to Lao PDR, said the agreement reflects India's commitment to deepening cooperation with the Mekong region through practical and mutually beneficial partnerships.

"India and the Mekong countries share strong historical and cultural connections through the Mekong-Ganga relationship. Today's MoU builds on that foundation and looks to the future, where cooperation on water, climate resilience, technology and sustainable development is more important than ever," said Ambassador Sangwan. "India is pleased to work with the MRC to share experience, support capacity building, and explore solutions that respond to the real needs of the region."

The MoU identifies several areas of cooperation, including water resources development and management, technological applications related to water, climate change and disaster risk management, flood and drought mitigation, flood forecasting and early warning systems, clean energy technology, technical training, institutional cooperation, and community support.

"The Mekong and the Ganga are different rivers, but the challenges we face are deeply connected, such as climate uncertainty, flood and drought risks, the need for reliable data, and the responsibility to manage water in a way that supports both people and ecosystems," said Ms Busadee Santipitaks, Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat. "This MoU gives us a practical framework to learn from each other, exchange technical knowledge, and turn cooperation into concrete activities that can strengthen water security and resilience in the Mekong region."

She added that India's experience in river basin management, disaster risk reduction, digital technology and clean energy offers valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange.

The agreement also supports broader efforts to strengthen Mekong-Ganga cooperation and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. It recognises the value of collaboration, technical exchange and joint activities in areas of shared interest between the MRC and India.

About the Mekong River Commission

The MRC is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1995 to boost regional dialogue and cooperation in the Lower Mekong River Basin. Based on the Mekong Agreement among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam, the MRC serves as both a regional platform for water diplomacy and a knowledge hub - to manage water resources and support sustainable development of the region.

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For more information, please contact:

Chandaly Mao (Ms.)

Communications Officer for Press

Mekong River Commission Secretariat

Email: [email protected]