Why in news?
On 2 July 2026 the digital infrastructure firm Lightstorm announced contracts with Microsoft, Singtel and Tata Communications to build the I‑2SEA submarine cable. The 3,600‑kilometre cable will connect India’s east coast to Singapore and Malaysia. It aims to support data‑intensive applications like artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The system is expected to be ready for service by late 2029.
Background
The I‑2SEA project will link landing stations at Machilipatnam and South Chennai with Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The consortium partners—Lightstorm, Microsoft, Singtel and Tata Communications—will share ownership and capacity. Japanese firm NEC Corporation is the system supplier, while Singapore-based ASEAN Cableship (ACPL) will lay the fibre-optic cables. Submarine cables are critical for international telecommunications because they carry almost all of the world’s internet traffic.
Key features
- Length and route: The cable will span around 3,600 kilometres under the Bay of Bengal and the Malacca Strait.
- Deep burial: It will be buried three metres below the seabed, offering extra protection against fishing trawlers and anchors.
- AI‑ready: The design targets hyperscale data centres and GPUs, ensuring high bandwidth for AI workloads. The cable will also provide onward connectivity to Hyderabad and Mumbai through domestic networks.
- Timeline: Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, and the system should be operational by the fourth quarter of 2029.
Conclusion
The I‑2SEA submarine cable will enhance India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia. It demonstrates international cooperation in building digital infrastructure. Once live, the system will boost data capacity and support India’s growing tech ecosystem.