19 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Science & TechnologyInternational RelationsNEWS

Google to Establish Direct Undersea Cable Link Between India, US

Google plans direct undersea cable link between the U.S. and India.

Photo by Satyajeet Mazumdar

Google will work on an undersea cable project directly linking the U.S. and India, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. This would be the second planned subsea cable system that would directly link the U.S.

and India, following Meta’s Project Waterworth. Currently, subsea cable systems carrying the majority of Internet traffic between continents do not have a direct Indo-U.S. link, instead relying on relay points like Singapore.

Google also announced a DeepMind partnership to boost AI-powered science and education in India, earmarking a $30 million Google.org AI grant for a Government Innovation Impact Challenge to support AI-powered government-to-citizen solutions. Additionally, 1.1 crore Atal Tinkering Labs students will have access to chatbot assistants.

Key Facts

Google is working on an undersea cable project directly linking the U.S. and India.

This would be the second planned subsea cable system to directly link the U.S. and India.

Meta’s Project Waterworth is the first planned subsea cable system that would directly link the U.S. and India.

Currently, subsea cable systems carrying the majority of Internet traffic between continents do not have a direct Indo-U.S. link.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Investment Models

GS Paper II: International Relations (impact on India-US relations)

Connects to syllabus areas of Science and Technology, Economy, and Governance

In Simple Words

Google is building a giant internet cable under the sea to connect India and the U.S. directly. This means faster internet and better connections because the data won't have to travel through other countries first. It's like taking a direct flight instead of having a layover.

India Angle

For India, this means better access to information, improved business opportunities, and enhanced communication with the U.S. A student in Chennai can access online resources faster, and a software company in Bangalore can collaborate more efficiently with its U.S. counterparts.

For Instance

Think of it like a new highway being built between two cities. It reduces travel time and makes transportation of goods and people more efficient, boosting the economy.

Faster and more reliable internet affects everyone, from students and professionals to businesses and government services, making daily life easier and more productive.

Direct internet cables: Faster connections, better life.

Visual Insights

Undersea Cable Route: US to India

This map shows the planned direct undersea cable link between the US and India, bypassing relay points like Singapore. It highlights the strategic importance of this infrastructure for digital connectivity.

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📍United States📍India📍Singapore

Key Stats from Google's India Initiatives

Highlights key statistics related to Google's investments and initiatives in India, focusing on AI and digital infrastructure.

$30 Million Google.org AI Grant: $30 Million
1.1 Crore Atal Tinkering Labs Students: 1.1 Crore

More Information

Background

Undersea cables are vital for global internet connectivity, carrying over 95% of intercontinental internet traffic. These cables are privately owned, often by tech companies or telecom providers, who invest in their construction and maintenance to improve network speed and reliability. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) plays a role in coordinating international efforts related to telecommunications infrastructure, including submarine cables. The existing network of subsea cables often relies on relay points, such as Singapore, to connect India and the U.S. directly. Establishing a direct link reduces latency and increases bandwidth, improving the overall internet experience for users in both countries. Projects like Google's and Meta's aim to enhance digital infrastructure and support growing data demands. These investments reflect the increasing importance of digital infrastructure in the global economy. These projects also have strategic implications, influencing data security and sovereignty. Direct cable links can reduce reliance on third-party infrastructure, giving countries greater control over their data flows. The Information Technology Act, 2000, and related regulations in India govern data protection and cybersecurity, making the establishment of secure and direct communication channels increasingly important.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on enhancing digital infrastructure globally, with significant investments in subsea cables. Several new cable projects have been announced or completed, connecting various regions and increasing overall network capacity. These developments are driven by the increasing demand for data and the need for faster and more reliable internet connections. The Indian government has been actively promoting the expansion of digital infrastructure through initiatives like Digital India. These initiatives aim to improve internet access and connectivity across the country, supporting economic growth and social development. The government's focus on cybersecurity and data protection also influences the development of secure communication channels. Looking ahead, further investments in subsea cables are expected, with new technologies and routes being explored to enhance network resilience and capacity. The increasing importance of data sovereignty and security will likely shape future developments in this area. The government is also pushing for local manufacturing of telecom equipment under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of Google's undersea cable project linking the U.S. and India for UPSC Prelims?

The key significance for Prelims is understanding that this is the second such project after Meta's 'Project Waterworth' and that it aims to provide a direct link, unlike current systems that rely on relay points.

2. Why is Google investing in a direct undersea cable link between the U.S. and India?

Google is investing to improve network speed and reliability for its users in both countries. Direct links reduce latency and increase bandwidth, enhancing the overall internet experience. This also supports the growing demand for data and faster connections.

3. What are the potential geopolitical implications of direct undersea cable links between the U.S. and India?

Direct links can reduce reliance on other countries for internet traffic routing, potentially increasing data security and sovereignty. This can strengthen the digital infrastructure and reduce vulnerability to disruptions. It also signifies a closer technological partnership between the two countries.

4. How does this project relate to the broader context of global digital infrastructure development?

This project is part of a larger trend of increasing investments in subsea cables to enhance global internet connectivity. These investments are driven by the growing demand for data and the need for faster, more reliable internet connections worldwide. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) coordinates international efforts.

5. For UPSC Mains, how can I frame an answer discussing the role of private companies in developing digital infrastructure, using Google's undersea cable as an example?

In your answer, highlight that private companies like Google and Meta are major investors in subsea cables, which are vital for global internet connectivity. Discuss how their investments improve network speed and reliability. Also, analyze the implications of private ownership of critical digital infrastructure, including potential benefits and risks.

6. What are the recent developments related to undersea cables that are relevant to this Google project?

Recent developments include the announcement and completion of several new cable projects connecting various regions, increasing overall network capacity. Meta's Project Waterworth is another example of a direct U.S.-India undersea cable. These projects reflect a growing focus on enhancing digital infrastructure globally.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding undersea cables: 1. The majority of intercontinental internet traffic is carried by undersea cables. 2. Undersea cables are typically owned and operated by government entities. 3. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) plays a role in coordinating international efforts related to submarine cables. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Undersea cables carry over 95% of intercontinental internet traffic. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Undersea cables are typically privately owned, often by tech companies or telecom providers. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) coordinates international efforts related to submarine cables.

2. Which of the following initiatives is aimed at improving internet access and connectivity across India?

A.Startup India
B.Digital India
C.Skill India
D.Make in India

Show Answer

Answer: B

Digital India is an initiative by the Indian government to improve internet access and connectivity across the country, supporting economic growth and social development. The other options relate to different areas: Startup India promotes entrepreneurship, Skill India focuses on vocational training, and Make in India aims to boost domestic manufacturing.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Information Technology Act, 2000: 1. It provides a legal framework for electronic transactions and e-commerce. 2. It addresses issues related to data protection and cybersecurity. 3. It establishes the National Cyber Security Coordinator. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Information Technology Act, 2000 provides a legal framework for electronic transactions and e-commerce in India. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The IT Act addresses issues related to data protection and cybersecurity, including provisions for penalties for cyber offenses. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The National Cyber Security Coordinator is a position created by the Government of India, but not directly established by the IT Act, 2000.