India’s Digital Public Infrastructure - Key Components, Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
India’s digital public infrastructure model is built on three foundations - Digital identity, digital payments, data exchange and consent framework.
India’s internet capabilities are strong that mobile data connectivity is now available in the remotest part of the country. This feat provides India global credibility and makes it fully prepared as we move further on fibre internet connections and 5G. With 77 internet exchange points across the nation, NIXI ensures faster, safer and smooth internet experiences while accessing services like banking, healthcare and education.
Internet is shaping India’s future. From village to global markets, accessibility is one thing that is guaranteed. It has opened avenues and opportunities like never before. Be it an entrepreneurial initiatives, education and skilling, digital content creators or simply improved instant communication, India is making use of internet infrastructure to its advantage.
Today in India, every person is digitally literate, at least enough to run a WhatsApp application, order groceries, run Youtube or google queries. Buying vegetables and groceries has become easy with UPI. From small Kirana shops to cart sellers to rickshawallah, everyone is now comfortable accepting UPI payments. People are now more focused on digital currency than carrying cash on them. This has become possible because of faster, safer and smooth internet systems working in the background. In India, a powerful digital foundation now connects the country across it’s length and breadth.
When the world paused because of COVID-19, the internet carried on. Doctors treated patients online through video calls. The internet helped the health sector keep going when the physical contact was not possible. E-learning industry boomed during the COVID-19. All schools and colleges moved towards online model and no education was hampered. Now, in rural areas, where desired quality and access to education may not be available or be far out, students can easily access classes online. With the help of internet, learning is possible anytime and from anywhere.
Internet is also helping e-governance and smart governance now become prevent in the country. People can fill in applications online, processes become paperless and transparent, government services and records are now available at a click of a button, one can also easily share feedback with the concerned authorities.
Small businesses are now adopting digital means and going online to sell their products and services outside their regional boundaries.
As the world progresses towards artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud computing and quantum physics, India as a country needs a stronger internet and digital backbone. Fast and reliable internet is must along with major focus of safety.
National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI): The Silent Force Behind India’s Digital Leap
At the heart of India’s robust internet infrastructure is The National Internet Exchange of India, which comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The exchange was set up on 19th June 2003 and since then has supported India’s internet journey. NIXI operates 77 Internet exchange points across India. These exchange points ensure that the domestic internet traffic remains within the country along with faster speeds, stronger security and smooth digital experience for everyone.
NIXI also dedicated works to make internet safe for everyone. In the times when everything is going online, security of personal data as well as that of the organisations has become a primary concern. Cyber threats are the new way of warfare and a robust plan of action is required to counter them. Cable disruptions and natural disasters, especially natural disruptions which are seasonal in India should hamper connectivity to the minimum.
Through NIXI’s Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN) division, NIXI is also leading India’s transition to IPv6. This will be crucial for a future filled with smart devices, artificially intelligent systems and seamless digital connectivity & access. It will also help people create websites in Indian languages and with TLDs like .in and .भारत .
“As we celebrate NIXI Day, we renew our commitment to the mission. A resilient internet is the foundation of a resilient India. Our aim is to ensure that India’s internet remains local in its routing, global in its credibility, and fully prepared for the future.” Says Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO, National Internet Exchange of India.
NIXI is a silent and dependable force with it’s roadmap including futuristic plans. Smart, AI powered traffic routing, disaster-resilient internet exchange points (IXPs) in underserved geographies, deeper collaboration with global internet companies and governance bodies, boosting vernacular domain adoption to drive grassroots inclusion.
NIXI is helping India unlock new opportunities, strengthening participation in the digital economy and take confident steps into the future. In today’s connected world, resilience is not a luxury. It is a necessity. For a growing nation, it is the bridge between ambition and achievement. NIXI continues to stand strong at the core of that bridge.