The Indus Forum – a research programme being explored by ICIMOD, the International Water Management Institute, and the South Asia Water Initiative – had its first working group meeting in November 2019. The aim was to deliberate on the research areas and funding opportunities that can best support the forum. Participants agreed on the operational mechanism of the joint programme and explored ways to ensure its sustainability. Additionally, the forum’s working groups endorsed its operational manual and identified ICIMOD as forum secretariat.