#India #Mumbai #Internet Governance #ICANN85 #NIXI

ICANN85 Community Forum: A Call for Global Internet Resilience

The ICANN85 Community Forum, taking place from March 7 to 12, 2026, at the Jio Convention Center in Mumbai, serves as a vital platform for discussing the future of the internet. Organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and supported by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) in alignment with the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, this forum emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a secure and inclusive internet.

Welcoming Remarks from Key Leaders

During the official welcome ceremony, notable figures such as Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, and other prominent leaders gathered to address the audience. They emphasized the role of the internet as a fundamental infrastructure supporting economies and daily life globally. Shri S. Krishnan remarked, "It is crucial that we work together to maintain the internet's openness, security, resilience, and inclusivity." This sentiment resonated with others, including Rajesh Aggarwal of the Maharashtra Government, who reiterated the importance of such dialogues for fostering cooperation between governmental and technical sectors.

The Urgency of Internet Stability

Tripti Sinha, Chair of the ICANN Board, highlighted that in our increasingly complex and divided world, the stability and integrity of the internet have never been more crucial. She stated, "We must remain disciplined, transparent, and committed to promoting an internet that reflects the diversity of the humanity it serves." Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN’s President and CEO, focused on delivering practical outcomes that will lay the groundwork for future initiatives. He encouraged participation from a diverse range of voices, noting that “this community thrives on diverse experiences and fresh perspectives.”

Key Discussions and Sessions

The ICANN85 forum comprises more than 200 sessions, engaging participants from government, industry, technical communities, and civil society. These discussions are centered on vital topics such as the evolution of the domain name system, cybersecurity practices, and future expansions of generic top-level domains (gTLDs). The emphasis throughout the week remains on the multistakeholder model, a foundational element of internet governance, where collective policy development and solution implementation are paramount.

Understanding ICANN and NIXI's Roles

Established in 1998, ICANN's mission is to foster a stable, secure, and unified global internet. It plays a critical role in coordinating unique internet identifiers essential for connecting users worldwide. On the other hand, NIXI, a nonprofit established under MeitY, significantly contributes to the strengthening of India’s internet infrastructure. It facilitates efficient domestic internet traffic exchange and manages high-level domains such as .IN and .भारत, aiming to promote a resilient and inclusive internet ecosystem.

Conclusion

In closing, the ICANN85 Community Forum serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts needed to tackle the existing challenges the internet faces today. The dialogues and initiatives stemming from this gathering will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a secure, resilient, and equitable internet for all. As stakeholders gather to share insights and strategies, the commitment to uphold the values of openness and inclusivity remains unwavering, ensuring that the internet continues to be a force for innovation and development worldwide.