NEWS – Two new submarine cable systems will provide additional Internet links to Asia and Europe even as India takes a more active role in discussions on undersea cable resilience and security

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cable Systems:
  • India Asia Xpress (IAX): Connects Chennai and Mumbai with Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
  • India Europe Xpress (IEX): Connects Chennai and Mumbai with France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti.
• Ownership: Reliance Jio, with investment from China Mobile.
• Cumulative Length: Over 15,000 kilometers.

Strategic Implications

• Enhancing Connectivity:
  • Additional Internet links to Asia and Europe to cater to growing data use.
  • Strengthened international bandwidth and improved network resilience.
• Geopolitical Ambitions:
  • India’s role as a maritime cable network player in the region is growing.
  • Focus on the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea regions for enhanced presence.
  • Improved defense strategy to mitigate risks from physical damages or cyberattacks.

Resilience and Security Concerns

• Recent Disruptions:
  • March 2024: Three cables connecting India to West Asia and Europe disrupted, highlighting the need for robust backup routes.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal’s role in the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience.
  • Efforts to ensure domestic stability for uninterrupted services during international disruptions.

Role in Regional Connectivity

• Bangladesh Bandwidth Plans:
  • Bangladeshi government halted plans to sell bandwidth to India’s Northeast.
  • Limited impact due to existing fibre connectivity via Power Grid Corporation of India.
• India’s Infrastructure:
  • Fiber-optic connectivity in the Northeast providing “hundreds of gigabits” per second capacity.