India’s rising prominence as a global digital hub was a key focus at the Wavelength Forum held in New Delhi on Wednesday, where Quad partners, government officials, and industry leaders convened to advance subsea cable connectivity across the Indo-Pacific.

Organised under the US Department of State’s ‘CABLES’ initiative, the forum emphasized the critical role of subsea cable infrastructure in powering the global digital economy. Discussions focused on expanding India’s cable networks and the need for secure, trusted vendors for cable construction, maintenance, and repair.

“India accounts for 20% of global internet traffic and must scale up subsea cable access,” the US Embassy in India said in a statement. Over 70 stakeholders explored strategies including regulatory reforms, streamlined permits, and enhanced repair capabilities.

Participants also exchanged views on safeguarding subsea cable systems from threats like cyberattacks and sabotage. The event reinforced collective efforts to protect global connectivity infrastructure.

The forum featured a spotlight on the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, reaffirming commitments made at the July 1 Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. As demand rises due to 5G, AI, and IoT technologies, the forum stressed the need for resilient and secure cable systems.

US Charge d’Affaires Jorgan Andrews underlined the strategic importance of the US-India partnership. “Together, we are working to enhance secure connectivity and support innovation and economic growth across the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

As the forum concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to secure and resilient digital ecosystems, building on US-India and Quad collaborations. The event also marked progress on shared objectives from the 2025 Quad agenda.