About .desi domains

About .desi domains

.DESI is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) delegated in the DNS root zone. The registry operator responsible for .DESI is listed by IANA as Emergency Back-End Registry Operator Program - ICANN. Anyone can typically register a .DESI name through an accredited registrar, subject to the registry’s registration policy and ICANN consensus policies.

.desi was a top-level domain (TLD) used in the Domain Name System of the Internet. It is operated by Desi Networks LLC. The domain name was originally applied for by Afilias Inc. and Desi Networks LLC, but the latter won the auctions, though the original amount is private. The stated purpose of the domain is to promote domain name owners. The word desi is derived from Sanskrit deśīya and means "one from our country". The domain refers to websites of Desis in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and their diasporas around the world. Desi Networks announced its intention to terminate the registry in April 2023, and it was terminated in October 2023.

Who can register .desi domains?

Eligibility is defined by the registry operator and its registrars. Most gTLDs are open to anyone worldwide. Many ccTLDs are also open globally; some require local presence, citizenship, or trademark rights. Always confirm current policy with the registry or your registrar.

Registration restrictions

Character rules below follow common ICANN LDH conventions. Individual registries and registrars may impose extra eligibility, length, or residency rules.

Length

1 – 63 characters (label before .desi)

Can use

Letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens (not first/last or consecutive in restricted cases)

Cannot use

Special characters (e.g. & # @) in standard LDH labels

IDNs

Varies by registry — check IDN support with the registry or your registrar

Features

Operational features (privacy, parking, protection) are registrar-level, not defined by the IANA root zone record.

Registry information

Sponsor / manager

Emergency Back-End Registry Operator Program - ICANN

Registration services

https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/ebero-2013-04-02-en

RDAP server

https://rdap.nominet.uk/desi/