ICANN85 Public Meeting in Mumbai: A Global Dialogue on Internet Governance

ICANN85 Public Meeting in Mumbai: Strengthening the Future of the Internet

ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, will host its 85th Public Meeting in Mumbai, India from March 7 to 12, 2026. This significant event is backed by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). India's vibrant digital landscape, boasting over a billion internet users, positions it as an exemplary host for the global community aiming to engage in discussions about internet governance.

A Platform for Global Dialogue

Reflecting on the last ICANN Public Meeting held a decade ago in Hyderabad, the upcoming ICANN85 represents a crucial opportunity for the Indian internet community to engage in vital dialogues surrounding internet governance. Samiran Gupta, Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director for the Asia Pacific region at ICANN, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the meeting to Mumbai. He stated, “It’s a chance for the Indian internet community to participate in global discussions about pressing issues that shape the web we use every day.”

Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY and Chairman of NIXI, emphasized India’s commitment to a robust internet infrastructure, stating, “India's digital transformation is anchored in an open, secure, inclusive and resilient Internet.” The hosting of this meeting highlights India’s dedication to the multistakeholder model of internet governance, which fosters innovation and promotes an inclusive online environment.

Key Themes at ICANN85

Among the pivotal topics that will be addressed at the ICANN85 Community Forum are the New gTLD Program and the role of the ICANN community in promoting a multilingual internet. The gathering occurs just ahead of the next application round for the New gTLD Program, set to launch in April. This program will provide various entities, including businesses and communities, a unique chance to apply for new top-level domains tailored to their distinct identities and interests.

The new gTLDs align with ICANN's vision for 2030, aiming to enhance global interoperability while encouraging users to navigate and utilize the internet in their native languages. This initiative resonates with the Indian government's ongoing efforts to expand internet usage, facilitating an inclusive, multilingual online space for all.

Moreover, this meeting is particularly notable as it marks the first ICANN Public Meeting since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the WSIS+20 Outcomes Document in December 2025. This reaffirmation of the multistakeholder approach to internet governance underlines the global consensus on the need for stability, openness, and interoperability in managing this vital resource.

Recognition of Excellence

A highlight of the ICANN85 meeting will be the presentation of the ICANN Community Excellence Award during the Welcome Ceremony on March 9, 2026. This award aims to honor outstanding contributions made by ICANN community members who actively engage in establishing consensus-driven solutions, fostering collaboration and growth within the ICANN multistakeholder model.

Registration and Attendance

For those looking to attend, in-person registration remains open until March 6, 2026, and is free for everyone. However, please note that on-site registration will not be available, so early registration is paramount. For more details and to secure a spot, interested parties should visit the official meeting website.

About ICANN and NIXI

ICANN is dedicated to maintaining a secure, stable, and unified global internet, coordinating the unique identifiers necessary for internet functionality. Established in 1998, this nonprofit organization encompasses a widespread community of participants from around the world. Meanwhile, NIXI plays an essential role in enhancing India’s internet infrastructure and fostering the growth of online services, further embodying the principles of an inclusive digital ecosystem aligned with India's ambitions for digital growth.