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NEW DELHI: India has formally requested the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to set up root servers within the country, marking a significant step in strengthening its digital infrastructure and reducing dependence on overseas systems.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing internet resilience for its massive user base while advancing broader goals of digital self-reliance.
Understanding Root Servers and Their Critical Role
Root servers form the foundational layer of the internet’s Domain Name System (DNS), acting as the initial directory that translates human-readable website addresses into machine-understandable IP addresses.
When users access any website, send emails, or perform online searches, queries ultimately reach these servers to route traffic correctly.
Currently, the global system operates through 13 root identities managed by 12 independent operators, with instances distributed worldwide via anycast technology.
While India already hosts some mirror instances of certain root servers, the government is seeking a more prominent, dedicated presence to better serve its population of over a billion internet users.
Government’s Push
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan highlighted the request while speaking at the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) 23rd Foundation Day event.
He stated: “We have been pushing for locating a root server in India given the number of people who use the internet and in terms of long-term resilience of the internet system itself.”
Krishnan further emphasised: “There should be one root server in India to cater to the requirements of the country’s huge population.” He acknowledged that the process is lengthy but noted ongoing efforts to build resilience through mirror sites and other measures, stressing the importance of geographically distributing internet infrastructure globally.
This request builds on earlier discussions with ICANN dating back at least two years, including recommendations from a 2024 parliamentary committee on external affairs that advocated for hosting root server clusters in India to improve response times during cyber incidents.
Potential Benefits and Strategic Implications
Hosting root servers locally could deliver faster DNS query resolution for Indian users, reducing latency and improving overall internet performance.
It may also lower international bandwidth usage and enhance the ability to manage traffic during peak loads or disruptions.
From a security perspective, greater local control could help contain malware and cyberattacks more effectively at the network edge.
This aligns with India’s emphasis on digital sovereignty, cybersecurity preparedness, and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the technology domain.
The move fits into a pattern of growing global demands by nations to localise critical internet infrastructure, driven by concerns over concentration of power, potential cyber threats, and the need for equitable participation in global internet governance.
Establishing new root server infrastructure involves technical, operational, and coordination challenges, as any changes must maintain the integrity and security of the single, unified global internet.
Experts note that additional instances typically function as mirrors rather than entirely new roots, preserving the existing DNS hierarchy.
India has already taken complementary steps, such as activating an M-Root server instance in Mumbai in 2024 and continuing to expand its internet exchange points through NIXI. These efforts collectively aim to create a more robust, self-sustaining digital ecosystem.
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