Middle East Crisis: Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz Heighten Risks for Subsea Cables Vital to India’s Data Connectivity
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global shipping, is increasingly becoming a focal point of concern for undersea internet cables amid rising tensions in West Asia. This strategic passage is responsible for approximately one-third of India’s westward internet traffic, and experts warn that rerouting this capacity is not a straightforward task due to limited alternative options. The ongoing security issues have also stalled crucial cable repair operations in the region, raising alarms about the potential impact on internet connectivity.
Security Concerns Disrupt Cable Repairs
The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz has severely affected ongoing repair operations for undersea cables. Since September 2025, ships tasked with repairing damaged cables have been unable to continue their work due to escalating risks in the area. Notably, subsea cables such as Airtel’s SEA-ME-WE 4 and I-ME-WE systems, along with Flag Telecom’s FALCON cables, were cut near Jeddah in Saudi Arabia last September. According to industry insiders, repair efforts for these cables have been halted, exacerbating the challenges faced by internet service providers. An executive involved in the situation highlighted that repair operations are not only complex but also costly, often taking several months to complete. The last disruptions affected around 17% of Asia-Gulf internet traffic, and rerouting this capacity has proven to be a significant challenge. With the ongoing US-Iran conflict, further delays and increased costs are anticipated.
Investment in New Cable Infrastructure
Despite the current challenges, the region has seen substantial investments in new cable infrastructure in recent years. Amajit Gupta, CEO of Lightstorm, noted that both sovereign and private entities have committed billions to develop new cables in the Gulf. This investment is expected to nearly double the region’s capacity in the coming years. Several new subsea cable projects are underway, including Reliance Jio’s India-Europe-Express and India-Asia-Express, as well as Google’s Dhivaru cable. Gupta pointed out that, following turbulence in the Red Sea last year, many companies were considering land routes through West Asia for cable installation, viewing them as faster and safer alternatives. However, the current geopolitical climate has raised questions about the viability of these plans.
Impact on India’s Data Center Ambitions
The prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have significant implications for India’s aspirations to establish a $270 billion data center ecosystem and become a hub for cloud services exports. Major tech companies are already making moves to enhance their presence in the region. Meta Platforms has chosen Mumbai and Visakhapatnam as landing sites for its multibillion-dollar undersea cable project, Waterworth, while Google is expected to connect West Asia, Europe, and Asia through its Blue-Raman subsea cable. During a recent visit to New Delhi, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced the India-America Connect initiative aimed at creating new subsea cable routes. However, the security risks facing data center infrastructure are also a growing concern, as evidenced by a recent drone attack on Amazon Web Services facilities in the UAE and Bahrain, which disrupted services in West Asia.
Geopolitical Tensions and Future Prospects
As the Strait of Hormuz emerges as a new geopolitical flashpoint, the implications for internet connectivity and data infrastructure are profound. Industry executives have expressed concerns that assets perceived as foreign could become high-profile targets amid evolving geopolitical tensions. An Airtel spokesperson confirmed that the company does not currently have any submarine cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while Jio and Flag Telecom did not respond to inquiries. The ongoing situation underscores the fragility of global internet infrastructure and the need for robust solutions to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical instability.
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