Chapter Twenty Four
Safeguarding Submarine Cables: Strategic Measures for India’s Security and Connectivity
Divya Rai
Connectivity is the new geography
— Parag Khanna, Connectography, 2016
Abstract
Submarine cables, which carry most of the world’s international data, are vital to global connectivity and economic stability. This chapter explores India’s role in protecting these cables in the Indo-Pacific amidst rising geopolitical tensions. It identifies key— structural, legal, and geopolitical—challenges and offers recommendations, including strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing international partnerships, and building domestic repair capabilities. These measures aim to secure the resilience of this critical infrastructure and reinforce India’s position in the global digital economy.
