India Internet Governance Forum 2024 Inaugurated: A Vision for a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Future

New Delhi: Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Jitin Prasada, inaugurated the 4th edition of the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) today at Bharat Mandapam. The event, themed “Innovating Internet Governance for India”, serves as a dynamic platform uniting policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to discuss the future of Internet governance and India’s role in shaping it.

In his inaugural address, Prasada emphasized the transformative power of IIGF as more than a forum for dialogue but as a catalyst for action. “This forum is not just a platform for discussion but also a strong call to action,” he stated, urging collective efforts to frame digital policies that uphold equality, transparency, and sustainability.

The ceremony saw the participation of esteemed dignitaries, including S Krishnan, Secretary (MeitY), Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary (MeitY), Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO of the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), and representatives from Meta India, ICRIER, and Zupee, among others.

Prasada highlighted India’s remarkable journey in digital transformation under the Digital India initiative, which has positioned the country as a global leader in innovation and inclusivity. “India’s transformative journey over the last decade, marked by successes like UPI, Aadhaar, and the Bharat Net project, serves as a model for other nations,” he remarked.

With 1.4 billion citizens and nearly 1 billion Internet users, India’s digital economy is thriving, bridging the digital divide by bringing technology to rural communities. “Today, 95% of our villages are linked to 3G-4G connectivity, and our startup ecosystem has expanded to over 600 districts, with more than half led by women,” Prasada noted.

The Minister outlined the government’s vision to position India as a leader in artificial intelligence. The ₹10,000 crore India AI Mission aims to democratize AI, foster innovation, and ensure self-reliance. “Our vision is to make AI in India, make AI work for India, and ensure AI for all,” he said, highlighting the potential of AI to empower India’s youth and drive a global AI revolution.

Prasada also addressed the challenges of sustainability and cybersecurity in a rapidly growing digital economy. He emphasized steps to reduce the carbon footprint of digital infrastructure by promoting renewable energy and green innovations. On cybersecurity, he called for robust infrastructure and real-time threat detection systems, underscoring India’s leadership in global digital forums like the UN’s Global Digital Compact.

S Krishnan, Secretary (MeitY), reflected on the resilience of India’s Internet infrastructure, emphasizing the need for stability in the face of disruptions. “What happens if there’s a disruption? Are we stable enough to ensure that essential services can still be offered to citizens?” he asked, stressing the critical importance of Internet continuity for governance and public welfare.

The IIGF 2024 seeks to chart a course for a sustainable, inclusive, and secure digital future, aligning with India’s aspirations to become a global digital leader. As Prasada concluded, “The Internet must remain a force for good, empowering lives and fostering equitable growth.”