The Hindu: Published on 4th April 2025:
Why in News?
India is witnessing the launch of new undersea cable systems, like Airtel’s 2Africa Pearls system (backed by Meta) and SEA-ME-WE-6, enhancing India’s international internet bandwidth. These developments highlight both the importance and vulnerabilities of India's undersea cable infrastructure.
What are Undersea Cables?
Definition: Thick, fiber-optic cables laid on the seabed that carry 90% of global data traffic, enabling global internet and telecom communication.
They connect different countries’ internet networks through landing points and terrestrial networks.
Structure: Padded for durability and consist of fiber-optic strands for high-capacity data transfer.
How Do They Connect Internet Globally?
Connect ISPs and telecom operators of one country to others.
Cables make landfall at landing points and connect to landing stations inland, distributing internet to cities and homes.
Around 600+ subsea cables globally enable internet, commerce, and secure data exchanges.
In What is India’s Subsea Cable Ecosystem?
17 international cable systems with two major hubs: Mumbai and Chennai.
2 domestic systems:
Chennai–Andaman and Nicobar (CANI)
Kochi–Lakshadweep Project
Most traffic lands in a small zone (6 km) in Versova, Mumbai.
India’s global share: ~1% in landing stations, ~3% in global subsea systems.
Concerns are rising that current capacity might not meet future data demand.
Challenges in Laying Subsea Cables in India-
Bureaucratic hurdles – Up to 51 different permissions needed from various government departments.
Cable vulnerability – Easily damaged by fishing trawlers or natural disasters.
No domestic repair ships or storage depots, leading to dependence on foreign vessels.
Time delays – Cable projects take months or years to plan and execute.
Why is India Considered Vulnerable?
Over-concentration of cable landings in few areas (esp. Mumbai and Chennai).
Cable cuts in the Red Sea or Bab-el-Mandeb Strait can affect up to 25% of India's internet.
India's low share in the global cable network increases risk of overload or outage during crises.
No alternative subsea corridors diverging from traditional trade routes.
How Can India Improve This-
Simplify permissions – Create a single-window clearance system.
Invest in domestic infrastructure – Build repair ships, storage depots, and landing stations.
Diversify landing points – Spread cable landings to more coastal cities.
Strengthen cable protection – Secure zones near cable landings from trawlers and damage.
Encourage private investment – Involve more companies like Meta and telecom giants.
Map new corridors away from congested or risky zones like the Red Sea.
Summary-
India’s internet backbone heavily depends on undersea cables. While new systems are being added, challenges like permission delays, poor infrastructure, and high concentration of landings make the country vulnerable. Through regulatory reform and local investment, India can strengthen its position in the global internet ecosystem.
