India's Subsea Cable Vulnerability: Industry Pushes for Domestic Repair Capabilities

• India's telecom industry urges DoT to build domestic subsea cable repair capabilities due to critical strategic vulnerability.
• Current dependence on two global firms in UAE and Singapore leads to 10-12 day delays and higher costs for repairs.
• Industry experts advocate leveraging India's shipbuilding expertise for specialized repair vessels, potentially through a PPP model.
• Geopolitical tensions, especially in West Asia, highlight the urgency of developing self-reliance for national security.
• Concentration of cable landing stations in Mumbai and Chennai, and vulnerable routes through high-risk regions, amplify risks.