India Internet Governance Forum 2025 concludes, driving push for inclusive and secure digital future

The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF-2025) held its fifth edition and concluded it on Friday after two days of talks at the India Habitat Centre and the India International Centre here in Delhi.

The gathering of multiple stakeholders, which included representatives from central ministries, tech firms, civil society organisations, universities, and international organisations, discussed ways to foster an open, trusted, and inclusive internet ecosystem in India.

IIGF 2025 theme

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According to the official release, the event was guided by the theme "Advancing Internet Governance for an Inclusive and Sustainable Viksit Bharat", and the forum examined three sub-themes-Inclusive Digital Future, Digital Infrastructure for Resilient and Sustainable Growth and AI for People, Planet and Progress.

The discussions through panels and workshops dealt with a variety of issues that included rural connectivity, open digital systems, domain name/DNS security, cybersecurity preparedness, the changing of India's digital public infrastructure, data protection, content moderation, the responsible use of AI, and creating avenues for young innovators.

There were four panel discussions and twelve workshops at the venue that culminated in the convergence of viewpoints from various sectors, policies, and communities. The presenters from the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, Meta, Google Cloud, the CCAOI, and a number of academic institutions furnished the audience with a blend of global and national perspectives while placing India's endeavours in the larger context of the international debate on internet governance.

Inaugurating the forum, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Jitin Prasada, remarked: "The India Internet Governance Forum has made it clear that progress in the digital space comes from everyone working together. Our focus is to give every citizen safe, affordable and reliable access to the internet. With strong 5G coverage, solid digital public systems and a consent-based Data Protection Act, we are creating an environment that protects people and opens doors for new opportunities."

During the sessions, the participants emphasised that universal, significant access should continue to be the driving force of India’s digital journey. Conversations also pointed out the importance of reinforcing digital public infrastructure and creating trust by means of strong standards and joint efforts.

The conference ended with the participants unanimously pledging to create a safer, more inclusive and resilient internet for India and the world.

What is IIGF?

The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) is the national chapter of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum. Established in 2021, it adopts a multi‑stakeholder format in which government, civil society, industry, technical community and academia contribute on an equal footing. A 14‑member committee representing different sectors guides the forum’s work. IIGF‑2025 was held on 27-28 November in New Delhi; the opening day sessions took place at the India Habitat Centre and the second day at the India International Centre.