HEADQUARTERS
3rd Comm Bn., Fwd (-)7th FMF WestPac
Yokosuka, JPN
12 May 2025
Fm. Charlie.Two SU Alpha.
To. CMG, 7th FMF WestPac
Subj. SubSea CyberOffensive--India.Pakistan--Combined Action Report
Ref: DivO 5750.2B
(a) MCO 5750.4
(b) FMF Pac 5750.8
(c) DivO 57550.2B
Encl: (1) In accordance with the above provisions of references (a), (b), and (c), enclosure (1) is submitted herewith.
A. India
1. Overview of India's Subsea Internet Cable Infrastructure
a. India is a major hub in the global subsea cable network, with its strategic geographical location making it a crucial point for international data traffic.
(1) As of early 2025, India hosts approximately 17 international subsea cables across 14–17 landing stations, located in key coastal cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Tuticorin, and Trivandrum.
2. Regulatory Bodies and Licensing:
a. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issues licenses for companies to lay submarine cables in Indian territorial waters.
(1) Only those with a valid International Long Distance (ILD) license can operate cable landing stations (CLS).
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) sets regulations, frameworks, and recommendations for the sector.
(2) In June 2023, TRAI issued new recommendations to update the licensing and regulatory mechanisms for submarine cable landings in India.
3. Major Operators and Stakeholders:
a. Tata Communications:
(1) Owns five cable landing stations in Mumbai, Chennai, and Cochin. b. Global Cloud eXchange:
(1) Operates stations in Mumbai and Trivandrum.
c. Bharti Airtel:
(1) Runs landing stations in Chennai and Mumbai; recently landed the SEA-ME-WE 6 cable in both cities.
Sify Technologies and BSNL: Participate in the operation of various cable landing stations.
Vodafone and IOX: IOX is planning a new station in Puducherry.
Global tech companies: Google and Meta are actively investing in new cable systems, including major projects like Project Waterworth.
B. Pakistan
1. Overview of Pakistan’s Subsea Internet Cable Infrastructure
a. Pakistan is connected to the global internet through a network of international submarine cable systems, which are critical for the country’s digital connectivity, economic development, and data security.
2. International Partnerships
a. Subsea cable projects in Pakistan are typically managed by international consortia, often involving major global telecom and technology companies (e.g., Meta, China Mobile International, Vodafone).
b. Ownership and operation of landing stations are handled by Pakistani entities (PTCL, TWA, Cybernet), but the cables themselves are governed by international regulations and consortium agreements.
C. Governance Structure
1. The Consortium
a. Consortium Model:
(1) Most major subsea cables are governed by a consortium of international telecom operators and technology companies.
(2) Each member typically invests in the project and receives capacity rights proportional to their investment.
(3) The consortium collectively oversees construction, maintenance, upgrades, and policy decisions.
b. Landing Parties:
(1) In each country, a designated "landing party" is responsible for the local infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and operation of the cable landing station.
(2) For example, Transworld Associates (TWA) is the landing party for 2Africa in Pakistan, while Airtel is a key landing party in India.
c. Ownership and Operation:
(1) While the cable itself is co-owned by consortium members, the landing stations are usually owned and operated by local partners.
(2) These partners must comply with national regulations (e.g., licensing by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority).
d. Regulation:
(1) National regulatory authorities, such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), oversee the licensing and operation of cable landing stations and ensure compliance with local laws.
2. Conclusion
a. Pakistan’s subsea internet cable infrastructure is managed through a mix of state-owned and private organizations, with PTCL and TWA playing leading roles. (1) The sector is tightly regulated by the PTA to ensure security, capacity, and resilience.
(2) International partnerships and ongoing investments in new cables and landing stations are positioning Pakistan as a key regional connectivity hub.
PART II. NARRATIVE SUMMARY
1. India and Pakistan’s Undersea Internet Cables
India and Pakistan are both deeply integrated into the global network of undersea (submarine) internet cables, which form the backbone of international digital connectivity, carrying about 99% of the world’s internet traffic.
a. These cables are crucial for economic growth, digital services, and national security in both countries.
2. India’s Expanding Submarine Cable Network
India is a major hub for undersea cables, with Mumbai and Chennai hosting around 29 cable landing stations between them.
a. The country’s telecom giants-Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Tata Communications-are deeply involved in global cable consortiums and operate extensive networks.
b. Recent projects like the India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX) have expanded India’s direct connectivity to Southeast Asia and Europe, supporting the country’s fast-growing digital economy.
c. India’s strategic location makes it a vital link between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
(1) The country’s cables are essential not only for commercial internet traffic but also for secure government and defense communications.
3. Pakistan’s Undersea Cable Developments
a. Pakistan has recently expanded its undersea cable infrastructure with major projects such as the Africa-1 Submarine Cable and the 2Africa Pearls project.
b. The Africa-1 cable, connected to Karachi, is expected to be fully operational by early 2026 and is part of a $59.5 million project to boost internet speeds and reliability.
c. The 2Africa Pearls project, a 45,000-kilometre cable linking 33 countries, is set to double Pakistan’s digital bandwidth and address persistent connectivity issues, especially for popular platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
d.
Pakistan currently has eight submarine cables, though one has reached the end of its operational life.
(1) The government is working with telecom companies to improve resilience and capacity, with the new cables expected to significantly alleviate ongoing internet disruptions.
4. Geopolitical and Security Context
a. The global undersea cable network is increasingly a site of geopolitical competition.
(1) The US, China, and other powers vie for influence over cable routes and technology, with projects like the PEACE cable (linking Pakistan, East Asia, and Europe) and the US-backed SEA-ME-WE-6 highlighting this rivalry.
b. Both India and Pakistan recognize the vulnerability of these cables to sabotage, espionage, and natural disasters.
(1) India, in particular, is focusing on redundancy, alternative routes, and domestic resilience to mitigate risks from disruptions, such as those recently seen in the Red Sea.
5. Recent Disruptions and Challenges
a. Damage to cables in critical chokepoints like the Red Sea has underscored the fragility of undersea infrastructure.
b. While Indian telecom companies have managed to avoid major service disruptions, the incidents highlight the need for rapid repairs and diversified connectivity.
c. Both countries are investing in strengthening their cable networks and working with international partners to ensure secure, high-capacity, and resilient internet access for their populations.
d. In summary, India and Pakistan are rapidly upgrading and expanding their undersea cable infrastructure to meet growing digital demands, enhance strategic autonomy, and safeguard against disruptions-while navigating the geopolitical complexities of global internet connectivity.
PART III.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
A. India
1. Major Submarine Cable Systems Landing in India
a. Some of the significant cables and recent projects include:
(1) 2Africa Pearls: Landing in Mumbai, with Bharti Airtel as the landing partner.
(2) India-Asia-Express (IAX) and India-Europe-Express (IEX): Supported by Reliance Jio, connecting Mumbai with Southeast Asia and Europe, respectively.
(3)
SMW-6 (South-East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 6) and SCA (Singapore-Chennai-Amsterdam): New-generation cables landed in Mumbai and Chennai in 2024.
(4) MIST (Malaysia, India, Singapore, Thailand): Landed in Mumbai and Chennai by NTT Global Data Centers.
(5) Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar Islands Cable (CANI) and Kochi-Lakshadweep Island (KLI): Domestic cables enhancing regional connectivity.
B. Pakistan
1. Key Submarine Cable Systems Serving Pakistan
a. Active cables:
(1) SMW3, SMW4, SMW5, IMEWE, AAE-1, TW1, PEACE, and Africa-1 are currently operational and connect Pakistan to the rest of the world.
b. New projects:
(1) The 2Africa cable, one of the world’s largest subsea cable systems, is scheduled to land in Karachi, further boosting capacity and redundancy. The Orient Express cable is also under development.
2. Landing points: Most cables land at multiple sites in Karachi (Hawksbay, Clifton Beach), with new landing stations being developed in Gwadar and Khunjerab to diversify connectivity and reduce risk.
C. Key Examples
1. 2Africa Cable:
a. The 2Africa cable is one of the world’s largest, connecting 33 countries with 46 landing stations.
(1) Its consortium includes global giants like Meta (Facebook), China Mobile International, Vodafone, and others.
b. Africa-1 and AAE-2:
(1) Both are governed by multi-company consortiums, with PTCL and TWA acting as landing partners in Pakistan.
2. India:
a. Airtel is a major landing party.
b. PEACE Cable:
(1) Owned by Peace Cable International Network Co. Ltd., this system is not a traditional consortium but a single-entity ownership model, with local landing partners like Cybernet in Pakistan.
3. Pakistan:
a. China Mobile International and Meta are the consortium parties responsible for the landing, contracting with TWA to own and operate the landing facilities.
4. Regulatory and Strategic Context
a. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regulate submarine cable licensing and operations.
(1)
India currently accounts for about 1% of the world's cable landing stations, with calls for a tenfold increase to meet growing demand and strengthen its position as a digital hub.
PART IV. CIVIL AFFAIRS
1. International Media Perspectives on Undersea Cable Vulnerabilities
a. International media and expert analysis consistently highlight the critical vulnerabilities of undersea internet cables, especially for countries like India and Pakistan, whose digital economies and communications are heavily reliant on these infrastructures.
b. Key Vulnerabilities Highlighted
(1) Concentration of Landing Points:
(i) India’s subsea internet infrastructure is highly concentrated, with 95% of its cables terminating at a small 6 km patch in Versova, Mumbai.
(ii) This creates a significant single point of failure, making the country’s connectivity highly susceptible to targeted attacks or natural disasters.
2. Limited Redundancy and Repair Capacity:
a. India lacks indigenous vessels for rapid subsea cable repair, relying instead on foreign ships, which can cause significant delays in restoring connectivity after disruptions.
b. Pakistan, meanwhile, is working to diversify its landing points and has four operational sites in Karachi and one in Khunjerab, with plans for more.
3. Geopolitical and Security Risks:
a. Both countries face heightened risks due to geopolitical tensions in the region.
(1) International reports warn that state and non-state actors could target undersea cables, causing widespread outages and economic disruption.
(2) The cables’ locations are well-known and their security at landing points is minimal, making them easy targets for sabotage.
4. Global Chokepoints:
a. Chokepoints like the Malacca Strait and the Red Sea are critical for global internet traffic.
(1) Disruptions in these areas, as seen recently, can affect up to 25% of India’s internet connectivity, forcing rerouting and causing slowdowns or outages.
5. Technological and Espionage Concerns:
a. The increasing centralization of cable management and the involvement of foreign companies in cable ownership raise concerns about espionage and operational security, especially with the rise of cloud computing and sensitive data flows.
6. Social Media Perspectives
Public Awareness and Outrage:
a. Social media in both India and Pakistan often erupts with frustration during major outages, with users highlighting the lack of redundancy and the slow pace of repairs.
(1) Hashtags related to internet outages trend during disruptions, and there is frequent criticism of the authorities for not investing enough in resilient infrastructure.
b. Calls for Investment and Security:
(1) Influencers, tech experts, and digital rights activists on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn advocate for greater government investment in cable redundancy, domestic repair capabilities, and categorizing cables as critical infrastructure.
(2) Some also call for transparency in cable ownership and management to minimize foreign control and security risks.
7. Geopolitical Narratives:
a. Social media discussions sometimes frame cable vulnerabilities within broader geopolitical rivalries, especially with reference to China’s growing technological capabilities and the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region.
8. Conclusion
a. International media and expert analysis underscore that both India and Pakistan face significant vulnerabilities in their undersea internet cable infrastructure.
b. These vulnerabilities stem from concentrated landing points, limited repair capacity, and exposure to geopolitical risks.
c. Social media amplifies public concern during outages and pushes for stronger investment, redundancy, and security measures.
d. Both nations are taking steps to address these issues, but the risks remain acute in the face of growing digital dependence and regional instability
PART V.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
1. Major Subsea Cable Systems and Their Consortiums
a. Cable System Countries Connected Key Consortium Members Landing Parties in India & Pakistan
(1) 2Africa Africa, Asia, Europe China Mobile International, Bayobab, center3, Meta, Orange, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone, WIOCC India: Airtel; Pakistan: Transworld Associates (TWA) with China Mobile International & Meta
(2) PEACE Cable Asia, Africa, Europe Peace Cable International Network Co. Ltd. (subsidiary of Hengtong Group) Pakistan: Cyber Internet Services (Cybernet)
(3) Africa-1 Africa, Middle East, Asia Consortium including PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited) Pakistan: PTCL
(4) AAE-2 (Africa-Asia-Europe-2) Africa, Asia, Europe Meta, Vodafone, and others (8 companies total) Pakistan: Transworld Associates (TWA)
2. Summary Table: Major Subsea Cable Systems Connected to Pakistan
| Cable System | Landing Parties in Pakistan | Landing Locations | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMW3, SMW4 | PTCL | Karachi (Hawksbay) | Operational |
| SMW5 | TWA (member), PTCL (consortium) | Karachi (Hawksbay) | Operational |
| IMEWE | PTCL | Karachi (Hawksbay) | Operational |
| AAE-1 | PTCL | Karachi (Clifton) | Operational |
| TW1 | TWA | Karachi (Hawksbay) | Operational |
| PEACE | Cybernet | Karachi, Gwadar | Operational |
| Africa-1 | PTCL | Karachi | Operational |
| 2Africa | TWA (future landing) | Karachi | Under construction |
| Orient Express | Wi-Tribe | Karachi, Gwadar | Under construction |
3. Comparative Table: India vs. Pakistan – Undersea Cable Vulnerabilities
| Aspect | India | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Landing Points | Highly concentrated (95% in Mumbai) | Diversified (multiple in Karachi, Khunjerab, plans for Gwadar) |
| Domestic Repair Capability | Lacks indigenous vessels, relies on foreign help | Investing in technology, but still developing |
| Redundancy | Limited; recent outages highlighted risks | Redundancy measures in place for 1-2 cable failures |
| Security Categorization | Calls to classify as critical infrastructure | PTA actively working on resilience and security |
| Social Media Response | Outrage during outages, calls for reform | Similar public frustration, focus on investment |
| Geopolitical Risks | High, due to regional chokepoints and tensions | Similar, with added focus on satellite alternatives (Starlink) |
4. Synthetic Intelligence: Perplexity-AI.
5. Image credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/undersea-cable.html
6. Prepared for Charlie.Two by
JCL, (204xxxx-2533),
SubUnit Alpha, Firebase Tango.
End of Report
CLASSIFIED
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