The internet's most important infrastructure may be largely invisible to its users. Beneath the oceans lies a network of fibre-optic cables connecting continents, enabling international communications, financial transactions and the digital economy.
But this infrastructure is also vulnerable.
Undersea cables can be damaged by accidents, natural hazards or deliberate interference. In a period of growing geopolitical competition, their protection has become a matter of strategic concern. Disruptions can affect connectivity, while identifying responsibility and coordinating repairs may present significant challenges.
For India, the issue has particular importance. The Indian Ocean is a vital maritime space for international communications and trade. Protecting critical infrastructure in this region requires maritime awareness, cooperation, technical resilience and the ability to respond quickly to disruptions.
The undersea cable network therefore raises a fundamental strategic question: can the world protect the physical foundations of its digital economy?
Strategic Vanguard explores the security risks, geopolitical implications and Indian Ocean dimension of this emerging challenge.
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