The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2025 concluded in New Delhi, emphasising inclusive digital growth, resilient infrastructure, and responsible AI for a Viksit Bharat.
India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2025
- The fifth edition of IIGF was held at the India Habitat Centre and India International Centre.
- It brought together ministries, global tech companies, civil-society groups, academia and international organisations.
- Theme: “Advancing Internet Governance for an Inclusive and Sustainable Viksit Bharat.”
- Sub-Themes
- Inclusive Digital Future: Expanding rural connectivity, equitable access, and digital literacy.
- Digital Infrastructure for Resilient and Sustainable Growth: Strengthening DPI, DNS security, and cybersecurity readiness.
- AI for People, Planet and Progress: Ethical AI deployment, safe innovation, and capacity-building.
- Key Takeaways
- Reinforcement of multi-stakeholder governance as the basis of India’s internet policy.
- Recognition of the need to secure the internet across all layers—from infrastructure to user protection.
- Continued commitment to universal, meaningful access and last-mile connectivity.
About India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF)
- Introduction: IIGF is the national chapter of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN-IGF).
- Establishment: Formed in 2021, adopting a multi-stakeholder format involving government, industry, civil society, technical community, and academia.
- Institutional Structure: Guided by a 14-member multi-sectoral committee overseeing agenda-setting and consultations.
- Objectives:
- To promote open, trusted, inclusive and secure internet governance in India.
- To build domestic capacity on emerging digital issues and align India with global digital norms.
- Significance
- Strengthens informed and participatory decision-making.
- Enhances India’s role in shaping global internet governance.
- Provides a platform to foster innovation, youth engagement, and policy coordination.
UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
- IGF brings together governments, private sector, civil society, technical community and academia on an equal footing.
- Origin: It was officially announced by the UN Secretary-General in July 2006 and held its first meeting in October–November 2006.
- The forum was established in accordance with the Tunis Agenda from the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society.
- The UN General Assembly resolution of 2015 extended the IGF’s mandate for 10 additional years.
- Annual meetings provide a space for stakeholders to exchange information, share best practices, and collaborate on emerging digital challenges.
- Helps build a common understanding on maximizing Internet opportunities while mitigating associated risks.
- IGF does not produce negotiated or binding outcomes, but its deliberations inform and influence policy decisions by governments, industries, and international bodies.
- Acts as a bridge between global dialogue and national/regional policymaking.