The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has announced support for a submarine cable project linking India and Singapore, aimed at enhancing connectivity and security in Southeast Asia.
WASHINGTON, DC – On January 20, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced its backing for a proposed submarine cable system that will connect India with Singapore and key data hubs across Southeast Asia.
The planned cable route is set to link Chennai, India, with Singapore, while additional landing points are under consideration in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, according to USTDA.
As part of this initiative, USTDA has signed an agreement with SubConnex Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to fund a feasibility study for the SCNX3 submarine cable system. This project is expected to serve approximately 1.85 billion people by enhancing digital infrastructure in the region.
The feasibility study aims to attract investment for the cable system and expand the capacity necessary for Artificial Intelligence and cloud-based services. USTDA emphasized that this effort will also help ensure the reliability and security of international networks while minimizing exposure to cyber threats and foreign interference.
The agreement was formalized during the Pacific Telecommunications Council 26 conference held in Honolulu, Hawaii.
SubConnex has appointed Florida-based APTelecom LLC to conduct the feasibility study. The study will encompass various aspects, including route design, engineering, financial modeling, commercialization planning, and regulatory analysis.
The SCNX3 submarine cable is designed to address the increasing connectivity challenges faced by India and Southeast Asia. USTDA noted that the rising demand for digital services, coupled with limited route diversity, has rendered existing networks susceptible to outages and security vulnerabilities.
By introducing new and resilient data pathways, the project is anticipated to enhance digital access and support the growth of Artificial Intelligence and cloud services. USTDA stated that the cable will provide a secure and reliable communications infrastructure for governments, businesses, and citizens throughout South and Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, USTDA highlighted that the feasibility study will promote the use of secure cable technology, safeguarding data flows from potential malicious foreign influences. This concern is increasingly relevant as undersea cables facilitate the majority of global internet and data traffic.
According to IANS, the initiative represents a significant step toward improving digital connectivity in the region.