SAILING INDIA INTO THE WORLD'S DIGITAL TIDES

To strengthen its role as a global data powerhouse, fuel economic growth, and bridge digital divides across the region, India must enhance subsea connectivity.

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In today's era of intense globalisation across markets and other key sectors, no country can afford to remain isolated. In this primarily digital era, every nation requires robust international data connectivity to achieve substantial socioeconomic progress within the unified global landscape. This is especially true for India, with its ambitious digital goals and increasingly prominent global role. Its per capita data consumption is already among the world's highest (one operator recently reported 31GB per subscriber per month) and continues to rise steadily.

ECONOMIC GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS

It is not widely known that subsea cables carry around 99% of global data traffic, making them essential for international trade and economic connectivity. Over USD 10 trillion in financial transactions are processed daily through these cables. This connectivity bolsters India's competitive edge in key sectors like IT, fintech, and digital media, reinforcing its reputation as a global digital leader. Reliable subsea connectivity also attracts foreign investment, which in turn fosters economic growth and creates jobs.

Globally, 532 subsea cable systems are in operation, with 77 more planned. However, only 17 cables currently connect India, with an additional 8-10 in development-comprising just 4-5% of the global total. Additionally, India has only 14 landing stations, representing approximately 1% of global connectivity points, highlighting a gap in international connectivity relative to India's digital stature and global role. Furthermore, much of India's connectivity routes pass through geopolitically sensitive regions such as the Red Sea and South China Sea.

As a result, India's connectivity is at significant risk due to both limited subsea cable capacity and reliance on high-risk routes. Expanding and diversifying these routes is essential to ensure secure and robust international connectivity.