| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Highlight the importance of undersea cables and challenges in ensuring resilience & security Conclusion: Way forward |
India is witnessing rapid growth in its undersea cable network, with the launch of two new cable systems—India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX). These cables bolster India’s digital connectivity and play a vital role in national security.
Contents
Digital Connectivity
- Increased Bandwidth: The IAX and IEX systems, spanning over 15,000 km, connect India to Asia and Europe, ensuring additional bandwidth to handle growing data consumption.
- Global Integration: These cables enhance India’s connectivity with strategic hubs like Singapore, France, and Greece, strengthening India’s integration into global digital networks.
- Resilience in Connectivity: Recent disruptions to cables in March highlighted the importance of robust networks. The new systems provide redundancy and ensure smoother data flows in case of future disruptions.
National Security
- Geopolitical Significance: The expansion of submarine cables reflects India’s increased maritime ambitions, particularly in the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea regions.
- Cybersecurity Measures: Enhanced cable systems help mitigate risks of cyberattacks and disruptions from state and non-state actors.
- Strategic Role: India’s proactive role in submarine cable discussions, as seen in its participation in the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, underscores its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Challenges in Ensuring Resilience and Security
- Physical and Cyber Vulnerabilities: Natural disasters, accidents, or intentional sabotage can disrupt cables, as evidenced by the March 2024 incidents impacting connectivity to West Asia and Europe. Increased reliance on undersea cables exposes India to potential espionage or data breaches, particularly given strategic investments by entities like China Mobile in cable projects.
- Geopolitical Constraints: The presence of foreign investments in Indian cable systems can lead to strategic vulnerabilities. Issues like Bangladesh’s suspension of bandwidth sales to Northeast India reflect the challenges of cross-border collaborations.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Redundancy and Domestic Stability: Despite progress, India must ensure that services remain stable within its borders even in the event of external disruptions, as highlighted by IT Secretary S. Krishnan.
Conclusion
By addressing these challenges, India can position itself as a global leader in digital connectivity while safeguarding its strategic interests.
