‘Resilient subsea networks key to India’s AI push’

Submarine cable systems must be strengthened to secure India’s fast-expanding digital and artificial intelligence ecosystem, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said on Tuesday, underlining the need for a multi-pronged strategy combining technology, operations and policy reforms.

Addressing a conference on ‘Subsea Cables and Digital Cloud Infrastructure’ organised by the Broadband India Forum, Lahoti described subsea cable systems as the backbone of the digital economy in the AI era. He warned that these networks face mounting risks ranging from natural disasters and accidental damage to geopolitical tensions and surging global data demand.

To mitigate disruptions, Lahoti called for improved route planning, laying cables in low-risk zones, deploying real-time monitoring systems and building redundancy through alternate routes. Strengthening international cooperation and regulatory frameworks is equally important to enhance security and resilience, he said.

Submarine cable systems, which carry nearly 99 per cent of global intercontinental data traffic, are central to internet connectivity and cloud infrastructure worldwide. However, they remain vulnerable to environmental hazards and human activities, while operators must continuously upgrade capacity to keep pace with rising consumption.

Lahoti noted that cloud infrastructure too faces significant challenges, including cyber security threats, privacy concerns, service outages, high operational costs, energy requirements and environmental pressures. As demand grows, constant scaling and investment are unavoidable. He stressed the need for robust cyber security frameworks and continuous threat monitoring to safeguard digital assets.

Highlighting India’s digital surge, Lahoti said the country’s broadband subscriber base has grown six-fold over the past decade, crossing the one-billion mark in November 2025. Indian mobile users now consume an average of 27 GB of data per month, among the highest globally.

Citing the Economic Survey, he said India’s data centre capacity is projected to expand from 1.4 GW in the second quarter of 2025 to 8 GW by 2030. The submarine cable market in India is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.4 per cent, driven by digital expansion, rising internet penetration and flagship programmes such as Digital India and the India AI Mission.

He emphasised that policymakers, telecom operators and technology firms must ensure digital infrastructure is resilient, inclusive and future-ready.