Water Security Linked to National Security, Says VP C P Radhakrishnan

Recognizing that water security, or ‘Jal Suraksha’, is fundamentally connected to national security, or ‘Rashtra Suraksha’, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday called on people to conserve water for future generations.

At the inauguration of the 9th India International Water Week 2026 in Delhi, he stated that intellectuals worldwide have been cautioning that if a Third World War were to occur, it would be over water. This highlights the importance of water as both population and urbanization continue to grow. He said that saving water is vital for all of humanity, not just for one city or region, but for the entire planet.

Call for Integrated Water Management

He called on citizens to wisely conserve, store, manage and utilize water resources for the benefit of future generations and all living creatures.

On water management issues, Radhakrishnan said, “We need systems capable of handling both periods of excessive rainfall and extended dry spells.” He said that river-basin management, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation must therefore be coordinated as part of an integrated strategy.

Radhakrishnan Highlights Inter-State Water Disputes

Radhakrishnan stated that while serving as a Member of Parliament, he had in-depth discussions on these matters with then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and currently with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil.

Quoting Tamil poet Subramania Bharatiyar, Radhakrishnan highlighted the importance of sharing the resources of the Ganga and Cauvery. “In this context, the theme of Water Week, ‘Climate Resilient Water Management’, is particularly pertinent,” he added.

Radhakrishnan stated that a key concern regarding water is the disagreement between states over how water should be shared.

“While we are busy settling these disputes, some regions of the country are experiencing drought-like conditions, while others are dealing with floods,” he said.

Radhakrishnan said that 10 inter-state MoUs have been signed for water-sharing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, adding, “Some shining examples of this cooperation are the Ken-Betwa and Kishau projects.” He also praised Patil and his ministry for resolving these disputes.

Radhakrishnan said that as India progresses towards becoming a developed economy by 2047, effective and sustainable water management will be essential.