India Internet Governance Forum 2025: Trust, resilience and the ethics of a digital future
The India Internet Governance Forum 2025 (IIGF-2025) brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, technology companies, civil society organizations, academia, and international bodies, to deliberate on the future of India’s digital ecosystem. The forum was guided by the theme ‘Advancing Internet Governance for an Inclusive and Sustainable Viksit Bharat’ and focused on three core sub-themes: Inclusive Digital Future, Digital Infrastructure for Resilient and Sustainable Growth, and AI for People, Planet and Progress. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in four panel discussions and twelve workshops, addressing critical issues such as rural connectivity, open digital systems, domain name and DNS security, cybersecurity readiness, data protection, content moderation, and the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence. The event highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, with speakers emphasizing that progress in the digital space requires collective action from government, industry, academia, and civil society. Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, underscored the need for safe, affordable, and reliable internet access for all citizens, while also acknowledging the growing cyber risks and the necessity of coordinated efforts to manage them. Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO of NIXI and Chairman of the IIGF Coordination Committee, noted that IIGF has helped India evolve from a responder to a proactive shaper in international internet governance spaces. The NIXI Internet Intern Scheme, which has reached over 10,000 students, was highlighted as a key initiative in building sustained expertise and deeper dialogue. Discussions also focused on the importance of universal, meaningful access, robust digital public infrastructure, and building trust through coordinated efforts and robust standards. The forum concluded with a shared commitment to building a safer, more inclusive, and resilient internet for India and the world. Participants stressed the need for frameworks that promote innovation while protecting rights, dignity, and security, guided by clear AI principles of safety, accountability, and human rights due diligence. The event also showcased the growing strategic importance of the internet’s technical underpinnings, such as domain name systems and routing infrastructure, and the need for greater domestic capability and ownership in critical components. The Indian internet community is increasingly focused on the terms of connectivity, with a strong emphasis on safeguards, norms, and the voice of marginalized groups. As India prepares for crucial global digital negotiations, platforms like IIGF are seen as essential laboratories for debating, contesting, and refining the country’s internet governance strategy.
