Quad partners discuss addition of undersea cables for India

Quad partners — US, India, Australia and Japan — today discussed measures to strengthen undersea cables and the need to increase cable connectivity to Indian coastline.

Undersea cables connect internet service providers and telecom operators worldwide, making it possible to send emails, use the Internet, make video calls internationally. Over 95 per cent of international data transfer occurs via these cables.

The event called 'wavelength forum' looked at resilience of these cables across the Indo-Pacific region, the US Embassy in New Delhi said. "The forum underscored India’s growing importance as a digital hub. India accounts for 20 per cent of global Internet traffic and needs more subsea cables connected to its shores," the US Embassy said.

More than 70 participants explored strategies to expand India’s cable infrastructure, including regulatory reforms, streamlined permitting processes and enhanced maintenance and repair capacity. Participants also exchanged views on protecting undersea cable systems from emerging threats, including cyberattacks and sabotage, underscoring the importance of collective action to safeguard global connectivity.

Organised under the US Department of State’s 'Cables' programme, the forum highlighted the critical role of undersea cables in supporting the global digital economy and the importance of using trusted vendors for construction, maintenance and repair.

US Charge d’Affaires in India Jorgan Andrews highlighted the importance of cooperation between the US and India in this sphere.

“The Wavelength Forum underscores the strong US-India partnership on regional infrastructure and highlighted the Quad’s shared commitment on protecting and expanding trusted partners. Together, we are working to enhance secure connectivity and support innovation and economic growth across the Indo-Pacific region.”

The event also showcased the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, reaffirming commitments made during the July 1 Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington DC. 

Discussions were also centered on the urgent need for resilient and secure cable networks to meet growing demand driven by 5G, AI and the Internet of Things.