Meta’s 50,000-km Subsea Cable to Boost India’s Digital Growth

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced an ambitious initiative known as Project Waterworth, a 50,000-kilometer subsea cable system designed to enhance digital connectivity between India, the United States, and several other regions. The project is expected to play a key role in strengthening India's digital infrastructure and driving the country's expansive digital economy agenda, Meta announced on February 14, 2025.

Meta announced plans to establish three new undersea data corridors designed to provide the high-capacity, high-speed connectivity necessary to support AI advancements on a global scale.

"Driven by India's growing demand for digital services, this investment reaffirms Meta's commitment to economic growth, resilient infrastructure, and digital inclusion," the Meta spokesperson added.

"Subsea cables projects, such as Project Waterworth, are the backbone of global digital infrastructure, accounting for more than 95 percent of intercontinental traffic across the world's oceans to seamlessly enable digital communication, video experiences, online transactions, and more," the company stated in a blog post.

The tech giant further disclosed that it is developing over 20 subsea cable systems, some of which will incorporate up to 24 fibre pairs-a notable increase from the industry norm of 8 to 16 fibre pairs found in other modern systems. "These investments enable unmatched connectivity for our world's increasing digital needs," Meta added.

"This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions," Meta noted. "In India, where we've already seen significant growth and investment, Waterworth will help accelerate progress and support the country's digital economy ambitions."

Meta recognizes India's strategic importance due to its vast digital user base and high growth potential. India is Meta's largest market, with over a billion monthly users across its suite of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. It also plays a pivotal role in advancing the company's global artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. The company has made substantial investments in India's digital ecosystem, including Express Wi-Fi, investments in Jio Platforms, and collaborations with Indian telecom providers. The subsea cable initiative reinforces Meta's long-term commitment to advancing India's internet landscape.

The US-India Joint Statement, issued following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, emphasized India's plans to invest in the maintenance of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, partnering with trusted vendors.

"India intends to invest in maintenance, repair, and financing of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, using trusted vendors," the two countries said.