AI and cybersecurity take centre stage as 600 global Internet leaders gather in Mumbai for APNIC 62

2026-09-07 08:06:42 Events / Trade Shows

7th September, 2026 - More than 600 Internet experts, policymakers and technology leaders will meet in Mumbai this September for the 62nd APNIC Conference (APNIC 62) as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and rapidly growing demand for digital services are putting pressure on the underlying Internet infrastructure needed to support these areas, as well as future Internet-enabled innovation.

Hosted by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI) with the support of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Government of Maharashtra, APNIC 62 is organized by the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the region's not-for-profit Internet number registry.

The event will bring together technical experts, network operators, policymakers and leaders from the Internet community to examine some of the most significant challenges and opportunities shaping the Internet's future. This includes AI-powered services, network automation, cybersecurity, routing security and Internet governance issues.

"As India's digital ecosystem continues to expand, ensuring secure, resilient and future-ready Internet infrastructure remains a key priority. APNIC 62 provides an important platform for India to engage with the Asia Pacific technical community, exchanging knowledge and strengthening collaboration towards an open, inclusive and trusted Internet for all," says Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Distinguished guests will include Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India and Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra.

"AI and other major technical and societal shifts are placing unprecedented demands on the networks that underpin our economies and societies. APNIC 62 brings the region's Internet community together to turn shared expertise into practical action for a more secure, resilient and scalable Internet," says APNIC Director General Jia Rong Low.

Low adds: "India's leadership in IPv6 adoption shows what is possible when technical capability, investment and collaboration align. Mumbai is a natural place to bring together the Asia Pacific Internet community to share that experience and help plan for the Internet's continued growth."

"NIXI is proud to host APNIC 62 in Mumbai at a time when India's digital economy and Internet infrastructure are growing rapidly. APNIC 62 is an opportunity to share India's experience, learn from regional experts and strengthen the cooperation needed for a secure, resilient and inclusive Internet," says Dr. Devesh Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer, NIXI.

"India's Internet service providers are at the frontline of meeting rapidly growing demand for reliable, secure and high-performing connectivity. APNIC 62 gives operators from across the Asia Pacific an important opportunity to share practical experience, strengthen technical cooperation and prepare their networks for what comes next," says Rajesh Chharia, President of ISPAI.

The Opening Ceremony will feature keynotes from Lightstorm Group CEO and Managing Director Amajit Gupta on AI-driven network automation, and JPCERT/CC's Yukako Uchida on the role of trust and cooperation in cybersecurity.

On 8 September, at the sidelines of APNIC 62, NIXI and APNIC will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the deployment of key Internet infrastructure technologies – IPv6 and routing security, which will contribute to the strengthening of the security, resilience, and long-term development of India's Internet infrastructure.