India–EU Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation with Focus on Protecting Undersea Cables

India and the European Union have taken a significant step toward strengthening maritime security by jointly organising a high-level workshop on safeguarding critical undersea cables. Held in New Delhi and coordinated by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) and the EU’s ESIWA+ initiative, the workshop brought together military officers, coast-guard representatives, policymakers, and private cable-sector experts from India, the EU, and several Indian Ocean countries. The central purpose of this platform was to deepen understanding of the vulnerabilities facing underwater communication systems and to chart a roadmap for sustainable, long-term protection.

The discussions underscored how submarine cables, despite being vital to global connectivity, remain largely exposed to both natural and man-made dangers. As India positions itself as a major digital and maritime power in the Indo-Pacific, this dialogue with the EU symbolises a shared recognition that the security of these cables is integral not only to economic stability but also to geopolitical resilience.

The workshop represents “essential step forward in the ongoing EU-India maritime security dialogues”. (Representative file photo) | Hindustan Times

Why Undersea Cables Matter More Than Ever

Undersea fibre-optic cables form the backbone of the global internet, carrying nearly all intercontinental data traffic. For India, these cables sustain essential services such as banking, e-commerce, IT operations, defence communications, and daily digital interactions. The smoother this invisible global network functions, the stronger India’s digital economy becomes.

Yet, these cables remain vulnerable. Accidental damage caused by fishing activity, anchoring, geological movements, and underwater landslides frequently disrupt them. More concerning is the rising threat of deliberate interference, sabotage, and espionage in an era of heightened maritime competition. As geopolitical tensions increase across the Indo-Pacific, hostile actors may find immense strategic advantage in disrupting undersea networks that nations depend upon for everything from commerce to national security.

The Need for a Coherent Protection Strategy

The India–EU workshop aimed to move the conversation from acknowledging vulnerabilities to actively designing solutions. Experts highlighted the need for detailed risk mapping, particularly in areas with heavy maritime traffic or in proximity to cable-landing stations. Surveillance technologies, real-time monitoring ecosystems, and coordinated maritime patrols emerged as important elements that could help reduce risks.

There was also strong emphasis on institutional reform. Many participants suggested that India should consider formally designating submarine cables and landing stations as “critical infrastructure,” creating a legal and administrative framework for their protection. This would allow specialised agencies—possibly including the CISF, Navy, Coast Guard, and coastal police—to actively secure them.

Another critical dimension discussed was regional cooperation. Since cables traverse international waters and multiple exclusive economic zones, India cannot safeguard them in isolation. Collaboration with Indian Ocean nations such as Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and Oman could pave the way for joint surveillance, shared early-warning systems, and quicker repair responses, especially since cable-repair ships are scarce and often under foreign flags.

Geopolitical Relevance: Cables as Strategic Assets

The workshop also reflects a broader shift in global security thinking. Undersea cables are increasingly viewed not merely as telecom utilities but as strategic assets whose disruption can cripple economies and destabilise political environments. For the EU, securing cables aligns with its larger vision of ensuring a resilient and open Indo-Pacific. For India, the initiative fits into its long-term goals of becoming a leading maritime power, strengthening digital sovereignty, and enhancing regional leadership through cooperative frameworks.

As great-power competition intensifies, especially with increased activity from non-friendly actors in the Indian Ocean, protecting these cables becomes part of a larger strategic architecture. The India–EU collaboration could evolve into a model for global partnerships on critical maritime infrastructure.

The MGMM Outlook

The India–EU collaboration on undersea cable security represents more than a strategic maritime exercise—it reflects a shared commitment to protecting the digital lifelines that sustain modern societies. As India’s global digital presence expands, the nation’s reliance on these underwater networks has grown exponentially. The workshop in New Delhi highlighted the urgent need to shield this invisible infrastructure from natural disruptions and rising geopolitical threats. For India, this partnership isn’t just technical cooperation; it is a step toward strengthening digital sovereignty and ensuring that millions who depend on uninterrupted online services remain safeguarded.

This initiative is an example of proactive nation-building, rooted in long-term security thinking rather than reactive crisis management. The dialogue between India, the EU, and Indian Ocean nations shows an emerging recognition that security today is both physical and digital, spanning oceans and continents. By working toward monitored cable routes, stronger laws, coordinated patrols, and regional alliances, India is shaping a future where its technological and maritime strengths reinforce each other. This approach aligns with our belief that national progress depends on anticipating vulnerabilities and addressing them with clarity, cooperation, and strategic foresight. 

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Times of India)