Landrush of Indian Domains
India, the second most populous country in the world, is set to experience a historic development on July 15th when the .in registry, managed by NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India), opens up its landrush phase for registration of Indian domain names.
What is a landrush?
In the world of domains, a landrush phase is a period during which individuals and organizations can apply for domain names before they become generally available for purchase. During the landrush period, registration fees may be higher than in the general availability period, and applicants may face competition for domain names.
The .in Registry Landrush Phase
During the landrush phase in India, each applicant will be able to apply for a domain name that will be evaluated on the basis of a set of criteria laid down by NIXI. According to experts, the landrush period will be particularly relevant for businesses seeking to broaden their online reach and tap into the vast Indian market.
What do Indian domains mean for businesses?
With a population of 1.3 billion, which is expected to surpass China's by 2027, India presents a vast market for businesses seeking new opportunities. By acquiring an Indian domain name, businesses will have a chance to create a local online presence and tap into this market.
Moreover, the new Indian domains, which include .in, .bharat, and .भारत, offer businesses an opportunity to rebrand and target specific locales. For instance, businesses that focus on local cultures or languages could acquire domain names that are specific to such cultures or languages. For example, a business that offers Bengali cuisine could acquire a domain name such as bengalifood.in, which would resonate well with the local market.
Why Indian domains offer much more?
Besides tapping into the vast market, Indian domains offer businesses an array of benefits, including being recognized as a credible online presence in India. A majority of the Indian population is familiar with the .in extension, and by acquiring an Indian domain name, businesses will tap into this market’s familiarity and localisation.
Furthermore, acquiring an Indian domain name will improve businesses' search engine rankings when targeting Indian customers as search engines give preference to websites that use local domain names.
The increasing importance of owning a country-specific domain name is becoming increasingly crucial, particularly with the significance of online businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Owing to the pandemic-induced lockdowns, companies are focusing on strengthening their online presence and investing in their digital marketing strategies. As such, acquiring an Indian domain name would be an ideal opportunity to expand their businesses and cater to new market segments.
The importance of timing
Before the landrush, the Indian domain registration policy had stringent requirements that required applicants to provide specific documentation, making the process tedious and time-consuming for many applicants. However, with the launch of the landrush phase, the registration process is less stringent and easier to manage for businesses.
Acquiring a domain name during the landrush period is particularly important as businesses can secure domain names and be ahead of their competitors. Moreover, Indian domain names have gained popularity in recent years, and more businesses have invested in their online presence, making it easier for businesses to stay relevant and competitive in the Indian online marketplace.
The Future of Indian domains
As the world turns towards a digital future, Indian domains are set to play a significant role in the country’s development. As of January 2021, there were over 5.7 million registered domains under the .in registry alone, making India home to one of the world’s fastest-growing domains.
According to NIXI, over 5,000 new domain names are registered each day, indicating a massive shift towards the adoption of digital solutions in India. This shift is also supported by the Indian government's focus on digitalization, investing in infrastructure and digital technologies to improve the country's economic development.
The Indian government has made several efforts to adopt digital technologies, including the “Digital India” initiative launched in 2015. This initiative aimed at developing various technologies ranging from improving the country's digital infrastructure to providing digital services to its citizens.
Conclusion
India, with its vast population and untapped market potential, presents an ideal opportunity for businesses to expand their online presence. With the .in registry opening up its landrush phase, businesses can acquire Indian domain names and tap into the vast Indian market segment. Acquiring an Indian domain name during the landrush period is an opportunity for businesses to secure domain names and strengthen their online presence ahead of competitors. Moreover, the popularity and awareness of Indian domain names make it easier for businesses to stay relevant and competitive in India's online marketplace. The development of Indian domains is an indication of the country's increased adoption of digital technologies and infrastructure, a significant factor in driving the country's economic development.