Quad partners, government officials and industry leaders gathered in New Delhi on July 16 for the Wavelength Forum to advance subsea cable connectivity and resilience across the Indo-Pacific region.
Organised under the U.S. Department of State’s “CABLES” programme, the forum underscored the vital role subsea cables play in driving the global digital economy, and the importance of using trusted vendors for their construction, upkeep and repair.
Officials did note India’s rising significance as a digital hub, also pointed out that the country accounts to the 20 percent of global internet traffic and will require expanded subsea cable links to sustain this growth. More than 70 participants discussed practical strategies to strengthen India’s cable infrastructure, from regulatory reforms and simplified permitting to improved capacity for maintenance and repair.
This gathering also did highlight the shared concerns over emerging threats to subsea cable systems, which include cyberattacks, sabotage, leading to stressing of the need for collective measures to protect global rising of the connectivity.
The forum spotlighted the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, reaffirming pledges made during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 1 July. Discussions focused on the urgent requirement for robust and secure cable networks to handle surging demand fuelled by 5G, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
U.S. Charge d’Affaires Jorgan Andrews underlined the value of close U.S.-India cooperation in this field, saying, “The Wavelength Forum underscores the strong U.S.-India partnership on regional infrastructure and highlighted the Quad’s shared commitment on protecting and expanding trusted partners. Together, we are working to enhance secure connectivity and support innovation and economic growth across the Indo-Pacific region.”
The forum also noted collaboration progress on shared goals outlined at the 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Australia’s Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre was mentioned in a fact sheet released at the event.
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