Australia and India Team Up to Protect Vital Undersea Internet Cables
A new project will examine the security of submarine cable networks in the Indo-Pacific, a critical but often overlooked part of global internet infrastructure. Funded by the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership, the initiative aims to strengthen regional resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions. Research will focus on supply chain risks, policy frameworks, and fostering dialogue between governments and industry leaders.
Submarine cables carry around 99% of the world's internet traffic, forming the backbone of the Indo-Pacific's digital economy. Yet, as Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh noted, these networks are increasingly vulnerable due to shifting geopolitics and strategic competition. The project, led by researcher Samuel Bashfield, will tackle three pressing challenges: supply chain weaknesses, over-reliance on a few key manufacturers, and the need for stronger regional cooperation.
About 20 countries—including the US, Japan, Australia, India, and Singapore—serve as landing points or operators for major cable systems. The market for manufacturing and maintenance, however, is dominated by just four firms: SubCom (US), NEC (Japan), HMN Tech (China), and Alcatel Submarine Networks (France). The study will assess these dependencies and propose ways to diversify supply chains while developing policy recommendations for governments and businesses.
The initiative will produce research reports, establish a new Track 1.5 dialogue in India, and create a policy framework to guide decision-making. Bashfield stressed the unique role Australia and India can play in safeguarding these networks, given their strategic positions and shared interest in a stable digital ecosystem.
The findings will help shape policies to protect undersea cables from disruptions and cyber threats. By bringing together stakeholders from across the Indo-Pacific, the project seeks to build a more secure and interconnected digital future. Outcomes include practical guidelines for industry and a roadmap for regional collaboration on cable security.
