Subsea Cables

Why in News?

Recent suspected cable-sabotage incidents in the Baltic and Arctic regions have exposed vulnerabilities in subsea cables, making their protection vital for digital and economic security.

what is the Importance of Subsea Cables?

• Subsea cables – These are fibre-optic systems laid across the seabed that connect countries and continents.
• These cables carry over 99% of international internet traffic.
• They support:
  • International internet and telecommunications.
  • Global financial transactions and digital payments.
  • Government and defence communications.
  • Cloud computing and data-centre connectivity.
• Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which require high-bandwidth data exchange.
• Damage to a cable can disrupt connectivity, financial transactions, government services and emergency communications, potentially causing significant economic losses.

Why are Subsea Cables Vulnerable?

• Physical vulnerability – Cables can be damaged by anchors, fishing activity, natural hazards and maritime accidents.
  • Recent incidents have raised concerns about deliberate sabotage by State or non-State actors.
  • The vast geographical spread of cable networks makes continuous surveillance difficult.
• Cybersecurity risks – Since sensitive information travels through these networks, disruption or compromise can have implications for data security and national security.
• Concentrated supply chain – Cable manufacturing is dominated by three major companies — Alcatel Submarine Networks (France), SubCom (US) and NEC (Japan).
  • Together, they have built around 90% of the cable length currently deployed.
  • Repair and maintenance capabilities are also concentrated among a limited number of specialised operators.
• Limited repair capacity – Cable repair requires specialised vessels, equipment and trained crews.
  • Limited global repair capacity can therefore increase the duration and economic impact of disruptions.
• Changing Ownership – Traditionally, subsea cables were financed and operated through telecommunication consortiums.
  • However, large technology companies or hyperscalers are increasingly investing directly in cable infrastructure because of rising bandwidth requirements.
• Growth of AI – It is further increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, as AI applications generate large volumes of continuously changing data.
  • This is contributing to a shift from consortium-based models towards hyperscaler-led cable projects.
• Implications for Digital Sovereignty – The concentration of subsea cable ownership, manufacturing and repair capabilities raises concerns over digital sovereignty.
  • Countries may have limited control over Cable routes and landing sites, Availability and allocation of bandwidth, Repair and maintenance capabilities.
  • Hyperscaler-led projects may also favour direct intercontinental routes, potentially influencing the emergence of future connectivity hubs and data-centre locations.

What is the Way Forward for India?

• Develop domestic repair capacity – India should encourage indigenous cable-repair vessels, specialised equipment and trained manpower.
• Streamline regulations – A single-window clearance mechanism can reduce delays in permits for cable laying, maintenance and repair.
• Strengthen maritime surveillance – Subsea infrastructure should be integrated into maritime domain awareness through satellite monitoring, Automatic Identification Systems and other surveillance mechanisms.
• Diversify cable routes – Multiple geographically diverse cable routes can prevent excessive dependence on a single connectivity corridor.
• Promote public-private partnerships – Given the capital-intensive nature of subsea infrastructure, government support can complement private-sector investment.
• Strengthen international cooperation – India should cooperate with other Indo-Pacific countries on cable protection, information sharing, rapid repair and mechanisms for attribution of deliberate damage.

What lies ahead?

• Subsea cables are the physical foundation of the global digital economy.
• Their increasing strategic importance, combined with concentrated ownership, repair capabilities, makes resilience a matter of both economic security and national sovereignty.
• For India, developing diversifying connectivity and strengthening maritime surveillance will be crucial to ensuring secure and uninterrupted digital connectivity.

Reference

The Indian Express| Subsea Cables