Australia and India are stepping up efforts to safeguard the critical undersea cables that carry 99% of global internet traffic. These cables, the backbone of communication, commerce, and security, face risks ranging from accidental damage to intentional sabotage. Recognising their shared stake in this infrastructure, both nations are forging stronger ties to bolster cable resilience and protect against vulnerabilities.
The Australia India Institute (AII), in partnership with the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore and CyberCX, has secured a grant under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership. The initiative, titled “Securing the Internet’s Backbone,” aims to develop a robust framework for strengthening submarine cable connectivity, resilience, and supply chains. The collaboration will produce policy-driven publications and conclude with a high-level dialogue in Perth in 2025.
Recent global tensions, including the conflict in Ukraine, have underscored the fragility of undersea infrastructure. These cables, vital to daily life and international stability, have increasingly become targets in geopolitical disputes. To counteract these risks, Australia has established “Cable Protection Zones,” restricting activities like anchoring and seabed trawling that could damage these connections. India, with 17 submarine cable landing points, is exploring similar measures, leveraging Australia’s experience to enhance its own capabilities.
In the Indo-Pacific, where strategic competition is intensifying, the need for secure undersea networks is more pressing than ever. Collaborative efforts like the Quad—comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—are extending the reach of these protective measures. This multilateral approach aims to ensure secure and resilient connectivity across the region, benefiting both local and global stakeholders.
Australia and India’s partnership is more than a defence strategy—it’s a forward-looking investment in the infrastructure underpinning the digital economy. By working together, these nations are not just protecting undersea cables but reinforcing the trust and cooperation that defines their bilateral relationship.
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