In a major acknowledgment of India’s contributions to global internet governance, veteran industry leader Amitabh Singhal has been appointed as the Chair of the Board Strategic Planning Committee (BSPC) at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This appointment recognizes Singhal’s unparalleled four decades of experience across the corporate and non-profit sectors, specifically his profound impact on shaping India’s digital landscape.
Singhal’s career is marked by several pioneering achievements that laid the foundation for the modern Indian internet ecosystem. In 1998, he was instrumental in establishing the original ISP (Internet Service Provider) licence regime, which opened the gates for private players and dramatically boosted internet penetration and freedom across the nation.
His vision was critical in the establishment of the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the subsequent launch of the .IN domain registry, a move that provided India with its sovereign digital identity. Furthermore, Singhal has been a stalwart advocate for global internet policy and human rights through his involvement with organizations such as the Public Interest Registry (PIR), the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), and READ India.
As Chair of the Board Strategic Planning Committee, Singhal will play a crucial role in steering ICANN’s long-term direction, ensuring the organization remains resilient and aligned with the rapidly evolving global internet environment. His deep expertise in policy, coupled with a demonstrated history of successful organizational leadership, makes him uniquely qualified to guide ICANN’s strategic priorities for the coming years.
The industry views this appointment not just as a personal milestone but as a recognition of India’s growing influence in the multistakeholder model of internet governance. Singhal’s continued leadership and strategic insight are expected to greatly benefit ICANN’s mission to maintain a stable, secure, and unified global Internet.
