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Source-This post on Significance of Undersea cable for India has been created based on the article “Undersea Message: India, Get More Cable-Able” published on “The Times of India” on 7 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper 3- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
News-The article highlights the need of building robust submarine infrastructure for commercial and strategic interest of India.
Background– Recently, submarine cables in the Red Sea have been damaged. This poses challenge for India’s Telecom Sector.
What is an undersea cable or submarine cable system?
It is a ‘line link‘ in the form of wire, cable, optical fiber, tube, conduit, waveguide or another physical medium. It is for carrying communications by means of guided electromagnetic energy.
What is the damage and who caused it?
The Red Sea has 14 undersea cables.They carry 90% of net traffic between Europe and Asia.
There is no solid evidence to inform who caused the damage. The Houthis claim that they have damaged it, whereas some believe it is damaged by anchors of old ships.
Read more- Submarine Cables and India- Threats and Vulnerabilities
What is the significance of building robust undersea cable for India?
1) Economic significance– Undersea cables carry 99% of internet traffic. India’s TATA communication is a stakeholder in TGN Red Sea cable. Damage to cable may lead to substantial loss to Indian service sector
2) Geostrategic Significance-
A) Data is perceived to be new oil and cables carry data.So,cutting hostile or enemy nations’ communication could prove to be a great strategic move during wartime. For ex-During world wars, this tactic was employed by warring nations.
B) India lies at the important maritime crossroads between western Pacific and Persian Gulf. Submarine cable mostly follow these maritime routes.Hence,India may be at a strategically advantageous position while navigating through regional diplomacy.
Question for practice
What is geo-economic and geo-strategic significance of Undersea cables for India?
