New Delhi: India is advancing efforts to create a secure and inclusive online environment with the help of a growing 5G network and stronger data protection measures, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada said on Friday as the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF-2025) came to a close.
Addressing the inaugural session, the Minister highlighted that affordable connectivity, robust digital public infrastructure and a consent-driven Data Protection Act are central to ensuring technology benefits every citizen. “Progress in the digital space comes from collective effort,” he said. “Our priority is to provide safe, affordable and reliable internet access for all.”
Prasada noted that India’s rapid push in 5G coverage and public digital platforms is expanding internet reach across the country. However, he cautioned that the same scale increases cyber threats, underscoring the need for collaboration across sectors. “Managing cyber risks is not only a government responsibility. Industry, academia and civil society must work together to build a safer online ecosystem,” he added. He also affirmed India’s continued support for global cooperation to help countries with limited digital access.
MeitY Joint Secretary Sushil Pal said the forum showcased the strides India has made while drawing attention to emerging challenges as artificial intelligence becomes more widespread across industries. He emphasized that the India Stack has provided a population-scale digital framework relevant to both emerging and advanced economies.
“With such scale comes greater responsibility — strengthening user protection, countering misinformation and enhancing resilience of core internet systems,” Pal said.
The two-day forum, hosted at the India Habitat Centre and India International Centre, featured participation from central ministries, global tech companies, civil society representatives, academia and international organisations. Discussions focused on shaping an open and resilient digital ecosystem for the country.
Held under the theme “Advancing Internet Governance for an Inclusive and Sustainable Viksit Bharat,” the event centered on three major topics: inclusive digital growth, resilient digital infrastructure and the role of AI in enabling progress for people and the planet.
