Undersea Cables

April 4, 2025

India’s internet infrastructure is undergoing upgrade with the introduction of new undersea cable landing systems. The latest addition is Airtel’s 2Africa Pearls, backed by Meta, which adds a remarkable 100 terabits per second of international bandwidth. Earlier this year, another key cable, SEA-ME-WE-6, was landed in Chennai and Mumbai. These developments are crucial as they boost India’s connectivity to global internet networks.

What Are Undersea Cables?

Undersea cables are vital components of the global internet infrastructure. They connect internet service providers and telecom operators across countries. These cables, typically a few inches thick, are designed to endure the harsh conditions of the ocean floor. Inside, they contain fibre optic strands that enable high-speed data transmission. Each landing point connects to a landing station, facilitating access to major networks.

Importance of Undersea Cables

Undersea cables handle about 90% of global data and 80% of world trade. They also support approximately $10 trillion in financial transactions. This infrastructure is essential for modern communication and commerce. The cables enable thousands of users to access the internet simultaneously, making them indispensable to the digital economy.

India’s Cable Landing Infrastructure

India has two primary hubs for cable landing – Mumbai and Chennai. Currently, 17 cable systems connect to India, with concentration in Mumbai’s Versova area. Despite the existing infrastructure, experts warn that the rapid growth in data traffic may soon outstrip current capacity. India’s share of global cable landing stations and subsea cable systems is relatively small, at around 1% and 3%, respectively.

Risks Associated with Undersea Cables

India’s reliance on undersea cables makes it vulnerable to disruptions. For instance, incidents in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait (strait between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and the countries of Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa) have previously affected internet connectivity in India. If multiple cables are damaged, rerouting data through alternative systems may not suffice. The existing cables often follow historical trade routes, which can expose them to geopolitical risks.

Challenges in Cable Deployment

The deployment of undersea cables in India faces regulatory hurdles. Companies must obtain numerous permissions from various governmental departments, which can delay projects. Additionally, the lack of domestic cable repair capabilities poses a challenge. Currently, India relies on foreign vessels for repairs, which can prolong downtime during outages.

Future Directions

To enhance its subsea cable infrastructure, India needs to streamline regulatory processes and invest in domestic repair capabilities. Reducing the number of permissions required for cable landing would facilitate faster deployment. Furthermore, developing local repair ships and storage facilities would mitigate risks associated with cable damage.

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