India’s New Undersea Cable Systems: IAX and IEX Explained

India's New Undersea Cable Systems: IAX and IEX

India is set to elevate its digital connectivity with the introduction of two new undersea cable systems: the India Asia Xpress (IAX) and the India Europe Xpress (IEX). These projects aim to connect India with key regions in Asia and Europe, significantly enhancing internet speed and resilience.

Spanning over 15,000 kilometers, these cables will position India as a leader in maritime cable infrastructure. This strategic initiative not only focuses on improving digital connectivity but also emphasizes the importance of digital security, showcasing India's increasing geopolitical relevance.

Overview of the Undersea Cable Projects

The two major projects include:

• India Asia Xpress (IAX): This cable will connect Chennai to Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
• India Europe Xpress (IEX): This cable will link Mumbai to Europe, passing through France, Greece, and Saudi Arabia.

Leadership and Collaboration

Leading the charge in these initiatives is Reliance Jio, with strategic investments from China Mobile for the IAX project and various partners contributing to the IEX.

Purpose and Benefits of the Cable Systems

The new undersea cables serve multiple purposes:

• Enhancement of Internet Speed: The cables are designed to boost connectivity for both businesses and individual users.
• Cyber Resilience: They will provide protection against potential cyberattacks and natural disruptions.

Strategic Importance of the Projects

These undersea cable systems are strategically significant for several reasons:

• Digital Resilience: They aim to safeguard against both physical and cyber disruptions.
• Geopolitical Role: The cables establish India as a vital player in maritime cable infrastructure, particularly in regions like the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea.

Benefits for India

These projects offer numerous advantages for India:

• Faster Internet Speeds: Improved connectivity will enhance experiences for businesses and consumers alike.
• Strategic Autonomy: The cables will reduce India’s reliance on other countries for digital links.
• Economic Growth: The initiative is expected to stimulate investments in technology and digital infrastructure.

Ensuring Cable Resilience

India is actively engaging in international discussions regarding the security of undersea cables. IT Secretary Neeraj Mittal serves on the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, emphasizing the country’s commitment to maintaining robust infrastructure.

Impact on Neighboring Regions

While regional disruptions, such as those affecting Bangladesh, present challenges, India has ensured that alternative connectivity options are available through its fiber-optic infrastructure and data centers.

Global Digital Traffic Implications

With these new cables, India is positioned as a critical node in global data traffic, facilitating stable and fast data exchanges between major regions, including Asia, Europe, and Africa, even during disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the new undersea cable projects launched by India?
Answer: India is launching two undersea cable systems: IAX, connecting Chennai to Southeast Asia, and IEX, linking Mumbai to Europe through France and Greece.

Q2. Who is leading these initiatives?
Answer: Reliance Jio is spearheading these projects, with investments from China Mobile for IAX and various partners for IEX.

Q3. How long are these cables, and what is their purpose?
Answer: The cables stretch over 15,000 kilometers, aiming to enhance internet speeds and provide resilience against cyber threats and natural disruptions.

Q4. What is the strategic significance of these cables?
Answer: These systems improve digital resilience and establish India as a key player in maritime cable infrastructure in crucial regions like the Bay of Bengal.

Q5. How do these projects benefit India?
Answer: They promise faster internet speeds, strategic autonomy in digital links, and potential economic growth through technology investments.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What are the primary objectives of the India Asia Xpress (IAX) project?
A) Connect India with Africa
B) Enhance connectivity with Southeast Asia
C) Improve internet speed in North America
D) Establish links with the Middle East
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Who is primarily responsible for the development of the India Europe Xpress (IEX)?
A) Airtel
B) Vodafone
C) Reliance Jio
D) BSNL
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Which country is NOT a destination for the India Asia Xpress (IAX)?
A) Malaysia
B) Thailand
C) Singapore
D) Japan
Correct Answer: D