Wetlands are critical ecosystems characterized by their water-saturated conditions, supporting diverse biological communities. Covering approximately 12.1 million square kilometers globally, wetlands account for 40.6% of the total value of global ecosystem services. India alone hosts 75,760 wetlands, distributed across various climatic and topographic regions, from the Himalayan landscapes to the Deccan Plateau, contributing to the country’s rich biodiversity. This chapter delves into the multifaceted nature of wetlands, beginning with their definition and classification. It explores the vast distribution of wetlands across India, highlighting the diverse ecosystems these wetlands support and their role in sustaining flora and fauna. Despite their ecological significance, wetlands are under severe threat. Due to several factors, wetlands of India face shrinkage in their areal extent. The chapter discusses the major threats and emphasizes the need for effective management and conservation strategies. The chapter concludes by underscoring the role of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in India in the protection and sustainable management of wetlands. It argues that restoring and preserving these ecosystems are essential, not only for maintaining biodiversity but also for mitigating climate change, as wetlands play a critical role in carbon sequestration, contributing an estimated 830 Tg of carbon annually.