In the news

• Three undersea cables connecting India to global telecom networks—Asia-Africa-Europe-1, Europe India Gateway, and Tata Global Network—have been damaged in the Red Sea Conflict, possibly due to targeted attacks.

What are Submarine Communications Cable?

• Submarine cables are laid on the seabed between land-based stations to transmit telecommunication signals across stretches of ocean and sea.
• These cables employ fiber-optic technology, with optical fiber elements coated with protective layers suitable for the marine environment.
• Submarine cables offer a reliable, cost-efficient, and high-capacity means of internet connectivity compared to satellites.

India’s Submarine Cable Infrastructure

• With 17 submarine cables landing in 14 cable landing stations, mainly in Mumbai and Chennai, India is actively expanding its undersea connectivity.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced regulations categorizing Cable Landing Stations (CLS) into Main CLS and CLS Point of Presence to enhance data flow and reduce reliance on foreign providers.
• TRAI’s recommendations also include recognizing submarine cable operations as critical services, proposing legislative amendments, and suggesting exemptions from custom duty and GST for essential goods.

• Examples:

1. MIST Submarine Cable System (connecting India with Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore)
2. Reliance Jio Infocomm’s India Asia Xpress (IAX) (India to the Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand)
3. India Europe Xpress (IEX) (India to Italy via Saudi Arabia and Greece)
4. SeaMeWe-6 project (Singapore to France via India, Bangladesh, and Maldives)
5. Africa2 Cable (connecting India with the UK via several African countries)

Vulnerabilities in Telecom Infrastructure

• Ongoing Conflict’s Impact: Damage to undersea cable systems in the Red Sea due to regional conflict exposes vulnerabilities in India’s internet and overseas telecom connectivity.
• Limited Connectivity: India’s relatively few connections to such cables and regulatory restrictions on expanding the submarine cable industry pose significant concerns.
• Choke Points: Cable disruptions underscore a choke point in subsea connections between Europe and Asia, particularly concerning for India due to limited connections and regulatory constraints.

Current Challenges in Submarine Cable Infrastructure

• Capacity Shortages: Rising demand from data centers, retail usage, and enterprise applications exacerbates capacity constraints in India’s submarine cable networks.
• Opaque Ownership Structures: Lack of transparency in ownership of submarine cable systems raises national security concerns, particularly regarding the involvement of International Long Distance Operators (ILDOs).
• Regulatory Constraints: Stringent regulations impede investment in submarine cable infrastructure, limiting redundancy and hindering security measures.

Implications of TRAI Proposals

• Digital Transformation: TRAI’s recommendations align with India’s digital ambitions, facilitating the expansion of data centers and enhancing internet connectivity.
• Balancing Act: DoT’s decision on TRAI’s proposals will shape the future of India’s submarine cable industry, balancing the interests of stakeholders and national security concerns.

Way Forward

[A] Replicating Success in Indian Waters

• Adopting Legislative Framework: India can collaborate with Australia to enact similar laws within its territorial waters, leveraging sovereign rights over submarine cables within the EEZ.
• Establishing Protection Zones: Creation of Submarine Cable Protection Zones, consistent with UNCLOS provisions, enables India to enforce jurisdictional and physical safeguards.
• Regional Cooperation: India can advocate for the adoption of Australia’s model legislation across the Indian Ocean Rim Association, fostering multilateral cooperation in protecting subsea infrastructure.

[B] Operational Implementation and Collaboration

• Coordination Mechanisms: Collaboration among navies and coastguards of Quad nations and like-minded countries facilitates operational coordination in monitoring and protecting high-density cable zones.
• Policy Alignment: Aligning domestic legislative frameworks with regional initiatives ensures seamless coordination and collective action in safeguarding submarine assets.
• Reducing Risks: Enhanced cooperation minimizes the risk of cable damage and sabotage, bolstering connectivity and resilience in the Indian Ocean Region.

Conclusion

• India stands at a pivotal juncture in safeguarding its subsea infrastructure amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
• India must fortify its submarine cable assets, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and advancing its digital aspirations.
• Through proactive legislative measures and strategic collaboration, India can mitigate risks and emerge as a global leader in subsea infrastructure protection.

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