Why are undersea cables important? Pg 10

Key Highlights

What are undersea cables?

• Main infrastructure connecting global internet networks.
• Heavily shielded fibre optic cables laid on sea floor; carry massive internet traffic.
• Landing points connect cables to data centers, routers on land.

India s Subsea Cable Ecosystem

• India has 17 international landing stations (mainly in Chennai & Mumbai).
• New cable systems like Airtel s 2Africa Pearls and SEA-ME-WE 6 expanding capacity.
• India still depends heavily on a few landing hubs, making it vulnerable to disruptions.

Key Challenges

• Bureaucratic Delays: Companies need clearances from 15+ ministries for a single cable.
• Security Restrictions: Permits often delayed due to red tape from Navy, local authorities.
• Repair & Maintenance Delays: Need better local repair capabilities.

Global Trends and India s Lag

• Most global cable routes avoid Indian waters, considered over-regulated.
• Companies prefer routes via Singapore or Red Sea to avoid Indian bureaucratic hurdles.

India-specific Angle

• India must simplify permissions, increase investment in landing facilities.
• Strengthening undersea cable ecosystem crucial for Digital India, cybersecurity, and strategic autonomy.

Mains Mock Question:

India s vulnerability to digital disruption stems from its dependence on a few undersea cable hubs. Critically analyze the need to reform India s subsea cable policy.