India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF)

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.

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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.