India is improving its undersea cable network

Source: The post India is improving its undersea cable network has been created, based on the article “Why are undersea cables important?” published in “The Hindu” on 4th April 2025. India is improving its undersea cable network.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Context: India is witnessing the arrival of new undersea cable systems like Airtel’s 2Africa Pearls, significantly boosting international internet capacity. This development has renewed focus on the importance of subsea cables, India’s current infrastructure, associated risks, and needed reforms to strengthen digital connectivity.

For detailed information on Submarine Cables and India- Threats and Vulnerabilities read this article here

Undersea Cables and Their Importance

1. Undersea cables are the main link connecting the world’s internet networks.
2. These are fiber optic cables laid on the ocean floor, protected by thick padding to survive harsh sea conditions.
3. They carry about 90% of the world’s data, 80% of global trade, and $10 trillion in financial transactions, according to Goldman Sachs.
4. There are around 600 undersea cables operating globally.
5. At each “landing point,” usually a manhole near the shore, these cables go inland to a “landing station” that connects them to major networks.
6. India’s latest cable is Airtel’s 2Africa Pearls system, with Meta’s investment, adding 100 terabits per second of capacity.
7. Earlier in 2024, the SEA-ME-WE-6 cable also landed in Chennai and Mumbai.

These cables are critical for internet access, trade, and secure communication.

India’s Current Cable Infrastructure

1. India connects globally through cable landing hubs mainly at Mumbai and Chennai.
2. Currently, 17 international cable systems land in India.
3. Two key domestic projects are the Chennai–Andaman & Nicobar Islands (CANI) and the Kochi–Lakshadweep Islands systems.
4. About 95% of India’s subsea cable capacity enters through a 6-km stretch in Versova, Mumbai, increasing risk.
5. Despite this, India accounts for only 1% of global cable landing stations and 3% of subsea cable systems.
6. This shows the need for greater investment in infrastructure and diversified routes.

Risks and Vulnerabilities

1. Overdependence on Versova makes India’s network vulnerable to disruptions.
2. In contrast, Singapore, a much smaller country, has more cable landings than India.
3. A disruption in the Red Sea can impact 25% of India’s internet traffic. This happened two years ago due to cable cuts caused by Houthi strikes.
4. India lacks domestic cable repair ships and storage depots, which delays emergency repair.
5. Laying cables in India requires 51 permissions from various departments like Home Ministry, Environment Ministry, and local bodies, causing long delays.
6. Fishing trawlers frequently damage cables near the coast, adding to the risk.

Steps to Improve India’s Subsea Cable Infrastructure

1. Streamline permissions: Simplify the current 51-step approval process to speed up deployment.
2. Expand landing hubs: Reduce reliance on Versova by developing landing stations along other coastal areas.
3. Increase domestic repair capacity: Invest in Indian repair ships and cable storage facilities to reduce dependency on foreign help.
4. Protect coastal cables: Strengthen laws and practices to prevent damage from fishing trawlers.
5. Diversify cable routes: Avoid traditional trade routes to reduce risks and increase resilience.
6. Plan for future demand: With rising data usage, India must build capacity in advance.

Question for practice:

Examine the current state of India’s undersea cable infrastructure and the steps needed to strengthen its digital connectivity.