More than 600 Internet experts, policymakers, network operators and technology leaders are set to gather in Mumbai for the 62nd APNIC Conference, or APNIC 62, as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the rapid expansion of digital services create growing demands on Internet infrastructure.
The conference, scheduled from September 4 to 10, 2026, will bring together members of the Asia Pacific Internet community to discuss the technologies, policies and infrastructure needed to build a secure, resilient and scalable digital future.
Mumbai Hosts Major Asia Pacific Internet Conference
APNIC 62 is being 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 organised by the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the not-for-profit Internet number registry serving the Asia Pacific region.
The event comes at a crucial time as countries and businesses increasingly depend on digital connectivity, cloud platforms, artificial intelligence and other Internet-based technologies. The growing scale of these services is creating new requirements for network capacity, security, reliability and automation.
AI and Cybersecurity at the Centre of Discussions
APNIC 62 will focus on several issues expected to shape the Internet over the coming years. Key areas include AI-powered services, network automation, cybersecurity, routing security and Internet governance.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into digital services, the networks supporting these technologies are facing greater demands. At the same time, the rising number of connected systems has made cybersecurity and routing protection increasingly important.
The conference will provide a platform for technical specialists and policymakers to exchange practical knowledge, discuss emerging challenges and explore ways to strengthen Internet infrastructure across the Asia Pacific region.
Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said that India’s expanding digital ecosystem makes secure, resilient and future-ready Internet infrastructure a priority.
He highlighted APNIC 62 as an important opportunity for India to engage with the Asia Pacific technical community, share expertise and strengthen cooperation aimed at creating an open, inclusive and trusted Internet.
Top Technology and Government Leaders to Attend
Distinguished guests expected at the conference 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.
APNIC Director General Jia Rong Low said the rapid development of AI and other major technological and societal changes is creating unprecedented demands on networks supporting modern economies and societies.
According to Low, APNIC 62 will help the regional Internet community transform shared technical expertise into practical steps for a more secure, resilient and scalable Internet.
Low also pointed to India’s progress in IPv6 adoption, describing it as an example of what can be achieved when technical capabilities, investment and collaboration work together.
NIXI and ISPAI Highlight India’s Digital Growth
NIXI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Devesh Tyagi said hosting APNIC 62 in Mumbai provides an opportunity for India to showcase its experience while learning from experts across the region.
He said the conference can help strengthen international cooperation around the security, resilience and inclusiveness of Internet infrastructure.
ISPAI President Rajesh Chharia said Internet service providers are playing a frontline role in meeting the growing demand for reliable, secure and high-performance connectivity.
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He added that APNIC 62 will allow network operators from across the Asia Pacific region to exchange operational experience, enhance technical cooperation and prepare their networks for future challenges.
Keynotes to Focus on Automation and Cybersecurity
The opening ceremony will feature keynote addresses focusing on two major areas of concern for the modern Internet.
Lightstorm Group CEO and Managing Director Amajit Gupta will speak about AI-driven network automation, while JPCERT/CC’s Yukako Uchida will address the importance of trust and cooperation in cybersecurity.
The discussions are expected to underline how technological innovation and security must develop together as Internet dependence continues to grow.
NIXI and APNIC to Strengthen Internet Infrastructure Cooperation
A key development on the sidelines of APNIC 62 will take place on September 8, when NIXI and APNIC are scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
The agreement will focus on strengthening the deployment of key Internet infrastructure technologies, particularly IPv6 and routing security. The initiative is aimed at contributing to the security, resilience and long-term development of India’s Internet infrastructure.
APNIC’s Role in the Global Internet
APNIC plays an important technical role in maintaining the Internet’s underlying addressing and identification systems across 56 economies in the Asia Pacific region.
Its work supports networks ranging from major global providers to smaller community-based operators. By helping organisations manage critical Internet resources, APNIC contributes to the continued stability, interoperability and growth of the global Internet.
With APNIC 62 bringing together hundreds of specialists in Mumbai, the conference is expected to provide an important forum for addressing the pressures created by AI, cybersecurity and expanding digital connectivity while shaping a stronger and more resilient Internet for the future.
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