ICANN to Host Global Internet Forum in Mumbai in 2026
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is set to hold its 85th Public Meeting in Mumbai from March 7 to 12, 2026. This significant event, hosted by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aims to gather participants from across the globe to discuss the crucial technical aspects that ensure the Internet’s secure and stable operation. With over a billion Internet users and a vibrant digital economy, India provides an ideal backdrop for this international gathering.
Shri S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary of MeitY and Chairman of NIXI, emphasized that India’s digital transformation is fundamentally rooted in an open and secure Internet. He noted, “Hosting ICANN85 reflects India’s commitment to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance and to enhancing policy frameworks that promote innovation, inclusion, and trust within the global Internet ecosystem.”
Samiran Gupta, ICANN Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement for the Asia Pacific region, highlighted the importance of this meeting by stating, “Ten years after the ICANN Public Meeting in Hyderabad, the ICANN85 Community Forum in Mumbai will provide a valuable opportunity for the Indian Internet community to engage in the worldwide conversation regarding key Internet governance issues.”
Key Discussions at ICANN85
ICANN85 comes at a critical juncture, just ahead of the next application period for the New gTLD Program, which will commence in April 2026. This essential program allows entities such as businesses and communities to apply for new top-level domains that cater to their specific needs. Attendees can expect substantial updates and information on how to navigate this application process.
The New gTLD initiative aligns with ICANN’s 2030 vision, emphasizing its role as a trusted steward of the Internet’s unique identifier systems. This program aims to foster a more multilingual Internet, allowing users worldwide to engage with the online world in their native languages, resonating with the Indian government’s goal of broadening Internet access.
This meeting will also be the first ICANN Public Meeting following the adoption of the WSIS+20 Outcomes Document by the United Nations General Assembly on December 17, 2025. This document reaffirms the Internet as a shared global resource, vital to its stability and interoperability, a principle that ICANN and the Government of India deeply support.
Recognizing Community Contributions
A highlight of the ICANN85 will be the presentation of the ICANN Community Excellence Award at the Welcome Ceremony on March 9, 2026. This award celebrates community members who have made significant contributions to the consensus-driven efforts within the ICANN multistakeholder model.
Those wishing to attend can register in person until March 6, 2026, as on-site registration will not be offered. Participation is free and open to everyone. For more registration details, visit the official meeting website.
About ICANN and NIXI
ICANN aims to ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet by coordinating the unique identifiers that are essential for Internet navigation. Established in 1998 as a nonprofit organization, ICANN collaborates with a worldwide community to maintain the Internet’s operational integrity.
Meanwhile, the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) plays a vital role in bolstering the country’s Internet infrastructure. Under the aegis of MeitY, NIXI facilitates the efficient exchange of domestic Internet traffic, manages India’s country-code top-level domains, and promotes broader Internet service adoption, supporting a resilient and inclusive digital landscape in alignment with India’s growth ambitions.
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