NIXI: Expanding internet exchange points for a digital future

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is deepening the country’s internet resilience by expanding internet exchange points (IXPs), accelerating internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) adoption, and strengthening the .IN domain ecosystem. In a conversation with tele.net, Dr Devesh Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer, NIXI, discusses secure domain frameworks and e-KYC, WebTrust-compliant secure sockets layer (SSL) plans, and priorities for inclusive and sovereign connectivity.

 

What are your views on India’s evolving internet landscape?

In India, the internet truly serves as the foundation of national development. With 77 NIXI IXPs set up, data now travels faster between major cities and smaller towns, thus providing better access to e-services, banking, and cloud platforms. The growing adoption of IPv6 has created the possibility of scalable cloud systems and reduced our dependence on foreign infrastructure. All these moves have strengthened digital sovereignty and resilience, and cemented India’s position as a secure and competitive player in the digital economy.

What issues does India still face in terms of the internet and its accessibility? How does NIXI plan to resolve them?

India is still faced with connectivity gaps, cybersecurity risks, and the lesser adoption of IPv6. To retain traffic locally in smaller cities, NIXI is setting up IXPs, which, in turn, reduce latencies and costs. The e-KYC process, fast verification, and blocking suspicious domains constitute some security features that protect the users. The free release of IPv6, with training and awareness campaigns, gives people a free and secure pathway to an inclusive and scalable internet in line with India’s long-term digital and national priorities.

How can foreign entities fairly register country-code domain names without being unfairly restricted by local presence or complicated paperwork?

The .IN domain ecosystem in India is open, secure, and aligned with national interests. International applicants to the registry have access to domain registrations through e-KYC. They can provide their passports, government-issued IDs, letters from embassies, or other verified documents to register a .IN domain name. Registrars handle standardised registration processes on behalf of the .IN Registry, creating a transparent and dependable process to register a domain name. Providing the whole framework for global registrants will strengthen India’s digital identity, and create a trustworthy and resilient namespace.

Has NIXI provided any evidence of misuse of .IN domains that justifies the new KYC requirements?

For a safe user experience, NIXI introduced insewa.in, a grievance redressal portal operating for nearly two years, as a tool to facilitate the e-KYC process by allowing users to submit the required information or report issues quickly. These user-centred approaches also promote accountability across the .IN domain space and make the registrant experience secure while protecting against any potential misuse.

What are your views on the rules for domain access? Do you have a regulatory wish list?

The policy ecosystem on domain access establishes a critical balance that engenders trust and competence across the global internet ecosystem. NIXI supports clear and straightforward policies that respect and consider the interests of registrants, regulators, and users.

Infringements to the policy can be avoided through verification of policy breaches with speedy resolution remedies, all through the prescribed channels of communication that promote compliance and build trust and confidence in the framework. The framework, through ongoing cooperation among registrars, the regulatory ecosystems and the community, will be upgraded with emerging technologies to further the agenda of inclusivity and global alignment in the .IN domain ecosystem.

What are NIXI’s upcoming plans and focus areas? What is the outlook for the industry?

NIXI is going to the next level as far as the internet ecosystem of the country is concerned and it is silently expanding IXPs through public-private cooperation, winning over bandwidth prices, and facilitating digital connectivity as per Digital India. The launch of new highly secured domains “.bank.in” and “.fin.in” has further strengthened confidence in e-transactions. IPv6 compliance is made easy for all through free allocations, workshops, and trainings, while the NIXI Academy imparts the required skills to professionals.

On top of that, NIXI is setting up a Web Trust-compliant infrastructure together with the Controller of Certifying Agency for the issuance of SSL certificates that are internationally recognised. This will bring in new users, improve security, and possibly save costs up to 50 per cent, thus fostering digital sovereignty and resilience.