N4S

This article uses subsea cables as the entry point to discuss India’s evolving digital diplomacy and tech collaboration with the U.S. UPSC rarely names niche themes like “subsea cables” directly. Instead, it wraps them under bigger umbrellas like: Climate change in geopolitics (2022 PYQ), Emerging tech and India’s global standing or Digital infrastructure as a tool of diplomacy or national security. This is precisely where aspirants often falter. Many either skip topics like subsea cables thinking they are too technical or fail to link them with core GS themes like international relations. Additionally, students tend to write in silos, missing the broader frameworks like the TRUST initiative, iCET, or India Stack diplomacy. This article breaks down the microtheme clearly and connects subsea cable diplomacy with broader strategic and policy frameworks. It not only introduces the key concepts but also structures them using clear subheads such as “Autonomy vs Dependency,” “Cybersecurity & Trust Deficits,” and “Digital Diplomacy & Soft Power.” It further supports learning with timelines, data points, and bilateral initiatives like INDUS-X and iCET.

PYQ ANCHORING

GS 2: Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. [2022]

Microtheme : Miscellaneous

What connects continents, powers economies, and carries the lifeblood of the digital world – yet lies silent beneath the oceans? Subsea cables. In 2024, when Houthi rebels sabotaged one in the Red Sea, the world felt the shock – not from a missile, but from a buffering screen. As India and the U.S. deepen ties around these invisible arteries of the internet, a new form of diplomacy is rising – not over borders, but through bandwidth. This makes securing cables as critical as securing frontiers.

But in this new geopolitical theatre, a few critical questions emerge – Will digital alliances redefine traditional notions of sovereignty and non-alignment? And how prepared is India to guard its digital borders in a world where cyber threats travel faster than missiles?

Bilateral U.S.-India Trade and Technology Collaboration

The commercial engagement between India and the United States is intensifying, focusing on strategic sectors and technology supply chain diversification. This effort includes refining the Technology for Resilient, Open and Unified Security and Trust (TRUST) framework, a successor to the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

Subsea Cables and Strategic Importance

Subsea cables are crucial, carrying over 95% of international data traffic.
China’s expansion in subsea infrastructure highlights the need for trusted alternatives.
The TRUST framework emphasizes India’s role in subsea cable development in the Indo-Pacific.
India currently hosts around 17 subsea cables, with ongoing construction to increase this number.

India’s Strategic Advantages

India’s geographical position makes it a natural hub for global cable networks.
Critical maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca enhance its strategic position.
India’s bandwidth requirement is expected to grow by 38% from 2021 to 2028.

Challenges and Recommendations

The licensing process for undersea cables in India involves over 50 clearances.
India relies on foreign-flagged cable repair ships, causing delays in outage responses.
Reforming the licensing regime and developing a domestic repair ecosystem are essential steps.

Role of the United States

The U.S. is encouraged to invest in digital infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific.
Meta’s investment in a 50,000-kilometre undersea cable project aims to boost connectivity in the Indian Ocean.
Enhanced subsea cable collaboration is crucial for the broader U.S.-India trade deal.

Are digital alliances redefining traditional notions of sovereignty and non-alignment?

In the 20th century, sovereignty was defined by territorial control, and non-alignment meant remaining equidistant from Cold War power blocs. In the 21st century, with data, digital infrastructure, and cyber norms becoming strategic assets, digital alliances are reshaping both these ideas – blurring lines between autonomy and interdependence.

Aspect	Transformation	Explanation with Example
1. Digital Sovereignty	From control over territory to control over data, infrastructure, and cyber norms.	USA and India’s TRUST framework and restrictions on foreign 5G vendors reflect efforts to assert digital sovereignty.
2. Strategic Alignments	Non-alignment shifting to issue-based alignments in tech and cyber domains.	India’s partnerships with the U.S. (iCET) and QUAD digital initiatives show selective alignment with like-minded democracies.
3. Normative Power Politics	Nations choose digital value systems (open vs authoritarian).	India’s preference for G7 digital norms over China’s Digital Silk Road shows ideological choices in cyberspace.
4. Autonomy vs Dependency	Balancing access to global tech with domestic control and self-reliance.	India’s semiconductor mission and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aim to reduce reliance on foreign tech giants.
5. Collective Cybersecurity	Sovereignty threatened by transnational cyber threats, requiring joint responses.	The 2024 Red Sea cable sabotage by Houthi rebels led to Indo-U.S. efforts to secure subsea digital infrastructure.
6. Digital Diplomacy & Soft Power	Technology becomes a tool of influence and international legitimacy.	India exporting UPI, Aadhaar stack to Global South countries boosts its soft power and diplomatic outreach.

India-USA Tech Collaboration

Period	Landmark Initiatives / Steps	Nature of Engagement	Analysis
1950s – 1970s(Foundation Phase)	IIT Kanpur (1959) with U.S. university consortiumU.S. support during Green Revolution – USAID & Ford Foundation projects	Aid-driven, capacity building	U.S. acted as a mentor, transferring knowledge and supporting foundational sectors like agriculture and education.
1980s -1990s(Cautious Cooperation)	NASA – ISRO projects (SITE)- Technology Safeguards Agreement (1990s) Limited cooperation post1998 nuclear tests	Selective engagement under constraints	Cold War politics and India’s nuclear stance limited full-scale cooperation, but civil tech engagement grew incrementally.
2000s(Strategic Turn)	India–U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal (2005)– Next Steps in Strategic Partnership Defense and space technology transfers begin	Strategic recognition and easing of tech restrictions	Marked a shift from control regimes to trust-building; U.S. saw India as a strategic partner in tech and security.
2010s(Deepening Ties)	DTTI (Defense Tech & Trade Initiative)US-India JCERDC for clean energyU.S.–India Strategic & Commercial Dialogue	Tech trade, innovation partnerships	Collaboration diversified into clean energy, smart cities, cybersecurity, and defense co-production.
2020 : *Watershed Year*	COVID-19 tech & health collaborationGrowing trust amid China-U.S. tensionsIndia bans Chinese apps, shifts supply chainsU.S. pushes “trusted partners” in tech	Geopolitics meets tech strategy	Pandemic + geopolitical churn pushed India and U.S. closer in digital health, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and supply chain security. Tech cooperation became a tool of strategic alignment.
2020s: Present(High-Tech Strategic Collaboration)	iCET (2023): AI, quantum, 6G, semiconductors- INDUS-X (2023): Defense innovation bridge- Collaboration in critical minerals, space & biotechTRUST Framework	Peer-to-peer, co-development model	Tech is now central to the bilateral strategic agenda. The relationship has matured into a global democratic tech alliance.

Challenges in India-USA tech collaboration

India–USA tech collaboration has made significant strides, but it faces several challenges that stem from differences in regulatory systems, strategic priorities, and capacity gaps. The key challenges:

1. Regulatory and Policy Mismatches

Data Protection and Privacy: India’s evolving data protection regime (like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023) may conflict with U.S. norms on cross-border data flows.
Export Controls: U.S. laws like the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrict certain technology transfers, especially in defense and dual-use tech.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Differences in IPR enforcement and patent laws create friction in innovation and joint research ventures.

2. Strategic Trust and Bureaucratic Caution

Legacy of Technology Denial Regimes: Past restrictions still influence bureaucratic inertia and mutual suspicion in sensitive sectors like defense and space.
Slow Implementation: Agreements like DTTI (Defense Technology and Trade Initiative) often face delays due to differing procurement policies and bureaucratic red tape.

3. Asymmetry in Technological Capabilities

R&D Gap: The U.S. leads in cutting-edge tech (AI, quantum, semiconductors), while India still lags in basic research funding and innovation infrastructure.
Dependence on Imports: India relies on U.S. hardware and platforms, which may reinforce dependence rather than true co-development unless capacity-building is prioritized.

4. Commercial and Investment Barriers

Market Access Issues: U.S. firms often cite policy unpredictability, localization requirements, and tax concerns in India.
Visa and Talent Mobility: Restrictions on H1-B and STEM talent movement from India to the U.S. hurt long-term research and tech sector integration.

5. Strategic Autonomy vs. Alignment

Non-alignment Tradition: India prefers tech collaboration without compromising its strategic autonomy. The U.S., on the other hand, sees tech alignment as part of broader geopolitical coalitions (e.g., Quad, IPEF).
China Factor: India’s strategic caution in being perceived as part of a U.S.-led anti-China bloc may limit full convergence on tech supply chains and standards.

6. Cybersecurity and Trust Deficits

Cyber Espionage Concerns: Both sides have concerns about surveillance, IP theft, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Lack of Unified Standards: Absence of harmonized cybersecurity frameworks and trusted telecom/equipment protocols can hinder integration.

Way Forward

Establish a Joint Tech Standards Task Force to align regulations on data, AI, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows.
Negotiate sector-specific MoUs to ease U.S. export controls in key areas like defense tech, semiconductors, and space.
Create a U.S.–India Innovation Fund to jointly finance R&D in emerging technologies through public-private partnerships.
Set up bilateral tech incubators in universities to support startup collaboration and cross-border innovation.
Fast-track working groups under DTTI and iCET, with quarterly reviews and time-bound targets for project delivery.
Appoint dedicated Tech Liaison Officers to coordinate across ministries and remove bureaucratic hurdles.
Liberalize STEM visa pathways and expand H1-B reforms to enable smoother mobility of tech talent

#BACK2BASICS : India’s digital diplomacy

Components

Component	What it Means	Example
Digital Communication	Using social media, websites, and online platforms to talk directly with people and governments.	Embassies tweeting updates, live virtual meetings between diplomats.
Cybersecurity Cooperation	Working together to protect digital networks, prevent cyberattacks, and share info on threats.	India-US sharing info on cyber threats, setting security standards.
Technology Partnerships	Collaborating on digital infrastructure, tech development, and innovation.	Joint projects on subsea cables, 5G networks, or AI research.
Public Diplomacy Online	Engaging global audiences by sharing culture, policies, and values through digital channels.	Virtual cultural festivals, online educational campaigns by governments.
Data and Digital Policy Dialogue	Discussing rules and standards for data privacy, internet governance, and digital trade.	Negotiating digital trade agreements or data sharing rules.
Crisis Management & Response	Using digital tools to coordinate during emergencies like pandemics or cyberattacks.	India and other countries sharing COVID-19 data online.
Building Digital Trust	Establishing norms, agreements, and frameworks to ensure reliable, secure digital interaction.	TRUST framework for secure tech cooperation between India and US.

Steps taken by India to promote Digital Diplomacy

India has actively promoted Digital Diplomacy as part of its foreign policy and global leadership strategy, using digital tools, platforms, and policy initiatives to influence global tech governance and enhance South-South cooperation. The key steps taken by India to advance digital diplomacy globally:

1. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Diplomacy

India Stack Export: India has offered its digital platforms like Aadhaar (digital ID), UPI (unified payments interface), and DigiLocker to other countries as models for inclusive digital governance.
India Stack Global Partnerships: Countries like Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Philippines, and Namibia are adopting or piloting elements of India Stack.
India–UNDP Digital Public Infrastructure Partnership (2023): Promotes DPI adoption in Global South through technical assistance and policy frameworks.

2. G20 Leadership on Digital Issues (2023)

Presidency Agenda: India prioritized digital public infrastructure, digital skilling, cyber security, and global digital commons.
G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting: Led to the endorsement of DPI as a framework for inclusive digital transformation globally.

3. Development Partnerships in Digital Capacity Building

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC): Offers training in e-governance, cybersecurity, and digital technologies to officials from over 160 countries.
Bilateral Tech Cooperation: Digital cooperation agreements with countries like France, Australia, UAE, and Japan focusing on AI, 5G, and fintech.

4. Role in Multilateral Digital Governance

Active Participation in Global Forums: India engages in UN bodies (like ITU, IGF), BRICS, G20, and Quad to shape digital norms.
Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP): India has contributed digital tools and expertise for telemedicine and digital health records post-COVID.

5. Digital Economy Agreements and Platforms

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF): India is part of negotiations shaping digital trade, cross-border data flows, and tech standards.
BIMSTEC and SCO Engagement: Promotes digital connectivity and cyber cooperation within regional blocks.

6. Cybersecurity and Capacity Sharing

Global Cybersecurity Capacity Building: India offers CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team) support and training to Global South nations.
Bilateral cybersecurity MoUs: Signed with countries like the U.S., Japan, Australia, and Singapore to share cyber threat intelligence and best practices.

7. Digital Diplomacy through Soft Power

MyGov, PMO Twitter Diplomacy: India uses digital platforms for direct global outreach.
COVID Diplomacy via CoWIN: India offered CoWIN platform to WHO as a global digital public good and shared it with several developing countries.

SMASH MAINS MOCK DROP

In the age of digital diplomacy, subsea cable infrastructure is emerging as a key element of geopolitical strategy. Discuss India’s strategic positioning and policy readiness in this context, with reference to its collaboration with the United States.

N4S