Chandigarh:
The deep ocean is emerging as a new arena of global strategic competition, with undersea internet cables, critical mineral resources and major maritime routes becoming increasingly important for national security. Experts warn that these underwater assets could become potential pressure points during future geopolitical conflicts.
Nearly 99 per cent of international internet data traffic travels through submarine fibre-optic cables, which support global communications, financial transactions and digital services. Recent incidents involving damage to cables in the Red Sea and Baltic Sea have raised concerns about the security of these critical networks.
Reports of rising tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel have also highlighted concerns over the vulnerability of undersea communications infrastructure in the Gulf region. Such developments underline the strategic importance of protecting essential digital networks during geopolitical conflicts.
Deep-Sea Mining Adds to Global Competition
The seabed is also attracting attention because of deposits of valuable minerals, including cobalt, nickel, copper and manganese. These resources are important for batteries, electronic equipment and clean-energy technologies. However, commercial deep-sea mining faces significant environmental concerns, technical challenges and international regulatory requirements.
India Focuses on Underwater Security
India is advancing research into deep-ocean exploration through its Deep Ocean Mission, which includes the study of seabed resources and the development of technologies for operations at great depths. Given India’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean and its growing dependence on undersea cables, protecting this infrastructure has become an important national security priority.
According to a report published in July 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had initiated the process of identifying an industry partner for an underwater fibre-optic sensing system intended to monitor submarine activity in the Indian Ocean.
Conclusion: Although it is too early to predict that the next world war will be fought beneath the oceans, undersea cables, mineral resources and strategic maritime routes are becoming increasingly important in global power competition. Protecting these assets will be crucial for safeguarding India’s national security, economic stability and digital communications in the years ahead.
