Building India’s Internet Governance Leadership
The IGICBS initiative was conceptualised to nurture awareness and leadership among India’s youth in areas such as internet policy, digital rights, cybersecurity, and global technical standards. Through expert-led sessions, mentorship, and hands-on exposure, the programme has enabled students from diverse academic backgrounds including technology, law, and public policy to understand the governance structures that shape the internet.
By fostering dialogue between students, academic institutions, and policymakers, NIXI has strengthened India’s participation in international internet governance processes. The programme aligns with India’s broader digital vision of creating a secure, inclusive, and resilient internet ecosystem.
Key Dignitaries Highlight the Importance of Internet Governance
The milestone event was graced by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the transformation of the internet from a volunteer-driven space into a critical backbone of economic and social infrastructure.
Shri Krishnan emphasised that as digital adoption deepens across India, ensuring a safer, more trustworthy, and resilient internet becomes essential. He noted that initiatives like IGICBS play a vital role in preparing a new generation of professionals capable of representing India’s interests in global internet governance discussions.
Encouraging Youth Participation Beyond the Internship
Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, Chief Executive Officer of UIDAI, recalled the early vision behind the programme and expressed satisfaction over its impact. He stated that internet governance was once a relatively unexplored field for many young Indians, and the initiative aimed to build a strong pool of informed volunteers and future ambassadors for the country.
Sharing feedback from interns, he underlined the importance of mentorship in shaping their learning journeys. He encouraged participants to remain connected with the ecosystem even after completing the internship and to actively contribute to strengthening India’s voice in regional and global internet governance forums.
Strengthening India’s Presence in Global Digital Forums
Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, MeitY, described IGICBS as a first-of-its-kind initiative that has evolved into a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary learning. He highlighted the value of bringing together young professionals from technology, legal, and public policy backgrounds to understand the governance of the internet.
He urged participants to act as ambassadors of internet governance within academia and industry, noting that India’s vast talent pool must be leveraged to enhance participation in global standards-setting and technical bodies.
Launch of IGICBS Portal and Impact Report
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the IGICBS portal, designed to serve as a central hub for programme information, learning resources, and engagement opportunities. The IGICBS Impact Report was also unveiled, documenting the achievements, outreach, and milestones of the programme over the past year.
Dr Devesh Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer of NIXI, stated that IGICBS has successfully connected policy, technology, and academia through structured learning and mentorship. He reiterated NIXI’s commitment to expanding youth participation and strengthening India’s role in the global internet governance ecosystem.
Aligning with India’s Digital Future
The event reaffirmed NIXI’s focus on academic collaboration, youth engagement, and capacity building in areas critical to India’s digital future. The IGICBS programme complements the Government of India’s vision of fostering a knowledge-driven digital ecosystem that balances innovation, security, and inclusivity.
As India continues to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the global digital landscape, initiatives like IGICBS are expected to contribute significantly to building informed leadership and ensuring that Indian perspectives are well represented in international internet governance platforms.
