APNIC 62 Brings Global Internet Community Together in Mumbai, AI and Cybersecurity Take Centre Stage

More than 600 Internet experts, policymakers, network operators and technology leaders are gathering in Mumbai for the 62nd APNIC Conference, or APNIC 62, as the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital services and connected technologies creates new demands on the Internet infrastructure supporting the digital economy.

Being held from September 4 to 10, 2026, APNIC 62 is hosted by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI), with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Maharashtra. The conference is being organized by the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the region’s not-for-profit Internet number registry.

The conference is bringing together technical experts, network operators, policymakers and Internet community leaders to discuss some of the most important challenges facing the global digital ecosystem. Key areas of discussion include AI-powered services, network automation, cybersecurity, routing security, IPv6 deployment and Internet governance.

With AI-driven applications rapidly expanding, the conference is expected to focus on how Internet networks can become more scalable, secure and resilient to meet growing demand. The increasing dependence on digital infrastructure has also highlighted the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and greater cooperation among network operators and technology stakeholders.

Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said that India’s expanding digital ecosystem makes secure and future-ready Internet infrastructure a key priority. He described APNIC 62 as an important platform for India to engage with the wider Asia-Pacific technical community and exchange knowledge aimed at building an open, inclusive and trusted Internet.

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

According to APNIC Director General Jia Rong Low, AI and other major technological and societal changes are placing unprecedented demands on the networks that support modern economies and societies. He said APNIC 62 provides an opportunity for the regional Internet community to convert shared technical expertise into practical measures for a more secure, resilient and scalable Internet.

Low also highlighted India’s progress in IPv6 adoption, saying the country’s experience demonstrates the importance of combining technical capabilities, investment and collaboration. Mumbai, he noted, provides an appropriate setting for the Asia-Pacific Internet community to exchange experiences and prepare for the Internet’s continued growth.

NIXI CEO Dr. Devesh Tyagi said the organization is proud to host APNIC 62 at a time when India’s digital economy and Internet infrastructure are expanding rapidly. The conference, he said, offers an opportunity to showcase India’s experience, learn from regional experts and strengthen cooperation for a secure, resilient and inclusive Internet.

ISPAI President Rajesh Chharia said Internet service providers are on the frontline of meeting the growing demand for reliable, secure and high-performance connectivity. APNIC 62 will allow operators from across the Asia-Pacific region to share practical experiences and strengthen technical cooperation.

The opening ceremony will feature keynotes from Amajit Gupta, CEO and Managing Director of Lightstorm Group, who will address AI-driven network automation, and Yukako Uchida of JPCERT/CC, who will discuss the importance of trust and cooperation in cybersecurity.

A major development linked to the conference is also scheduled for September 8, when NIXI and APNIC will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing deployment of key Internet infrastructure technologies, particularly IPv6 and routing security. The initiative is expected to contribute to the security, resilience and long-term development of India’s Internet infrastructure.

APNIC plays a critical technical role in the Asia-Pacific Internet ecosystem, managing Internet addresses and other network identifiers across 56 economies in the region. Its work supports thousands of organizations, ranging from major network providers to smaller community networks, helping maintain an interoperable and stable Internet.

As digital services and AI applications continue to expand, APNIC 62 is expected to provide an important forum for shaping the technical cooperation and infrastructure strategies needed to support the next phase of Internet growth across the Asia-Pacific region.