Strengthening Internet Security and Resilience: Highlights from ICANN85 in Mumbai

ICANN85 Community Forum: A Global Gathering in Mumbai

The recently held ICANN85 Community Forum in Mumbai, from March 7 to 12, 2026, showcased the collaborative spirit of the global internet community. Organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in partnership with the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this year’s forum focused on fortifying a secure, open, and resilient internet.

The event kicked off with an official welcome ceremony that brought together prominent stakeholders including government officials and internet governance leaders. Mr. S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, emphasized the importance of an accessible and robust internet as an essential infrastructure supporting economies and everyday life worldwide. He stated, “As digital adoption increases, it is crucial that we work together to ensure that the internet remains open, secure, resilient, and inclusive.”

Among the notable figures attending were Rajesh Aggarwal, Principal Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra, who highlighted the forum's significance as a platform for diverse sectors to discuss the future of internet governance. “This forum presents a vital opportunity for collaboration among governments and industry experts on how we can keep the internet accessible for all,” he remarked.

Tripti Sinha, Chairwoman of the ICANN Board, pointed out that in a world becoming increasingly complex and divided, the integrity of the internet is more crucial than ever. She urged the participants to maintain a commitment to a safe and stable internet that reflects human diversity.

The ICANN85 Community Forum consisted of over 200 sessions covering a range of topics essential for the secure and stable functioning of the internet. Discussions were held around evolving Domain Name System (DNS) practices, cybersecurity frameworks, and upcoming expansions of generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs).

These sessions highlighted the importance of the multi-stakeholder model in internet governance, where collaboration leads to effective policy development and implementation. Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN’s President and CEO, expressed a desire for impactful outcomes from the forum, advocating for new voices to join and enrich these important discussions. “The community thrives on diverse perspectives and contributions, especially from regions that may not always have had a seat at the table,” he said.

The event reflected India's ongoing commitment to bolster its digital infrastructure, aiming to foster innovation, cooperation, and active participation from all its regions. NIXI, as a key player in this initiative, plays a significant role in ensuring that India’s internet infrastructure is resilient and capable of supporting the growing digital economy.

Overall, ICANN85 served as a vital reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold an internet that is not only functional but also reflective of the diversity and needs of its global users. The collaborative efforts showcased at this forum set a promising path towards achieving a safer and more inclusive internet environment for everyone involved.

For more information on ICANN and its mission, visit ICANN's official website.