Submarine Cables: Lifelines of the Digital Age
Submarine cables are crucial for global internet connectivity, carrying 99% of global internet traffic. They have become vital for economic and societal growth, with cable capacities doubling every 2–2.5 years due to significant investment and expansion.
Current State and Challenges
- Cable networks span over 1.4 million km as of 2024, enough to circle the Earth 35 times.
- India's data demands are growing, leading to a rapid yet disorganized expansion of its undersea cable network.
- Vulnerable hotspots exist at chokepoints such as the Luzon Strait and the Malacca Strait.
- Lack of formal regulation presents risks in submarine cable governance.
Strategic Importance and Global Dynamics
Submarine cables are increasingly seen as critical assets for national sovereignty and global influence:
- The US has historically dominated the sector, but China is expanding through initiatives like the Belt and Road.
- Concerns over Chinese influence have led to efforts by the US, EU, and Japan to form “clean cable” consortia.
- China is actively constructing cables and maritime infrastructure, with links extending to several countries.
Risks and Threats
- Submarine cables face the threat of sabotage, exemplified by incidents such as the cutting of cables by the vessel Shunxing-39 near Taiwan.
- The Snowden leaks highlighted vulnerabilities like cable tapping through splice chambers.
- China’s activities in mapping and potentially disrupting cables raise strategic concerns.
India's Vulnerabilities and Recommendations
- India relies on foreign vessels for cable repair, posing a risk during crises due to possible delays.
- There is an urgent need to boost India’s cable repair capacity using public sector shipyards.
Addressing Threats and Enhancing Security
Continuous monitoring and advanced underwater capabilities are necessary to protect cable routes:
- India should develop tamper-proof cable designs, deeper burying, and strong encryption in collaboration with private operators.
- Cooperation with international partners, including the Quad, is essential.
- Building alternative cable routes and designating them as critical infrastructure is crucial.
International Legislation and Enforcement
Various legal frameworks exist, but enforcement remains challenging:
- US laws require permissions and impose penalties for cable activities within their EEZs.
- International laws, like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, provide limited enforcement mechanisms.
- The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) provides best practices but remains advisory.
Conclusion
Protecting submarine cables is vital not only for maintaining internet service but also for national security and sovereignty. Coordinated efforts and strategic frameworks are necessary to guard these essential infrastructures in a connected world.