By Sudhanshu Kumar & Monojit Das
The headlines of global newspapers frequently focus on conflicts, economic crises, climate change, small arms proliferation, and political divisions when it comes to the region of Middle East. However, the interconnection of Israel and Gulf nations through submarine cables is an exceptional development that is significantly influencing the geopolitical landscape. Contrary to conventional diplomatic methods that depend on subtle talks and high-level gatherings, these submarine cables have been establishing a network of connectivity beneath the ocean, promoting the potential for collaboration and cooperation in the Middle East. Submarine cables possess the capacity to diminish conflict and promote collaboration between nation-states engaged in warfare. Information and Communication Technologies(ICT) has become the fulcrum of technological globalization which creates possibilities and opportunities at multiple levels in the 21st century. In that context, submarine cables have potential to not only increase cooperation but also to reduce conflict by bolstering the level of education, employment and lifestyle in conflict-prone regions.
Historically, the Middle East has been afflicted by conflicts and political hostilities, which have posed significant obstacles to communication among nation-states. The ongoing crisis in the Middle East continues to intensify, posing challenges for nation-states to synchronize their interests. The level of mistrust among warring parties in the Middle-east is unprecedented today. Nevertheless, the swift progress of technology and the growing significance of the digital domain have stimulated a distinctive type of collaboration that surpasses geographical and ideological boundaries. Today, technology is considered as a profoundly political and essential component of the global system. Submarine cables, sometimes overlooked but crucial components of the digital era, have become the channels that connect and unify this historically volatile region of Middle East. It fosters collaboration and mitigates tensions among the conflicting countries in the region and makes it possible for common masses to access the seamless flow of information from different parts of the world.
The creation of these underwater linkages signifies a collective acknowledgment between Israel and Gulf nations of the substantial advantages that arise from mutual cooperation. This marks a significant turning point in geopolitics, when nations may transcend doubt and prioritize communication in the realms of digital and economic affairs by using technology as a tool of cooperation and collaboration. By embracing the digital revolution and partnering to establish the physical infrastructure required for smooth data exchange, these nations may put aside their differences in favor of the advancement of ICT. This may lead to a situation where nation-states bypassing their prejudices for others create a more harmonized global order. The submarine cables embody a concrete dedication to a future where communication is not limited by political borders, where this form of cooperation is not only symbolic but has practical ramifications that go beyond enhanced internet speeds. Improved connectivity offers numerous advantages for development and growth of economy. It promotes economic expansion, promotes creativity, and enables cultural interchange. Submarine cables enable businesses to enhance operational efficiency, facilitate groundbreaking research collaborations, and foster cross-cultural discussions among citizens. The Internet, in addition with the information technology systems it interacts with, creates an enormous enhancement in individuals’ capacity to engage in interpersonal and mass communication. This builds up a network of strong institutions promoting rights of the individuals and minorities creating a humane societal infrastructure.
The incorporation of technology enhances the effectiveness of diplomacy in the modern day. While conventional diplomatic methods remain important for resolving crises and promoting international relations, the digital domain presents a new opportunity for diplomacy. Effective implementation of submarine cables necessitates collaboration, mutual regard, and strategic foresight – principles that are essential to diplomatic ties. They help in transfer of quick information from one-side to another bypassing long bureaucratic mediums, making decision-making faster and quicker in case of crisis. The creation of these underwater cables also exemplifies the significance of considering matters beyond immediate political disparities. Nations in the Middle East are reshaping the narrative of their relationship by prioritizing common objectives such as economic development, technological progress, and regional stability. This method not only provides advantages to the countries directly engaged but also establishes a favorable model for the wider global community. It opens up possibilities for people in different countries in middle-east to look beyond their regional problems and engage with new opportunities emerging in other parts of the world.
Ensuring the security and stability of these digital roads is of utmost concern, as this whole technological endeavor is not free of all the risks. International cooperation is vital for implementing cybersecurity protocols that ensure the integrity of data transmission across these cables, hence preserving the trust and confidence of all stakeholders. Furthermore, continuous endeavors are necessary to narrow the gap in digital access inside these countries, guaranteeing that the advantages of improved connection are available to all individuals, irrespective of their socio-economic standing. In some or other way, the geopolitics over submarine cables is now integrated with the technological war going between the US and China. The US and China are building their own networks, not connecting to each other, which reflects the rising tensions between these two superpowers. Thus, it is important for other major powers to not fall prey to this rivalry to feed the whims and fancies of the US and China. The only way for other countries is to cooperate with each other and develop networks which can help them to prosper and grow together.
The narrative around the submarine cables linking Israel and Gulf nations presents a promising prospect. It demonstrates the profound impact of technology, the significance of diplomacy, and the possibility of harmony amidst historical conflicts. The submarine cables facilitate uninterrupted communication and cooperation, highlighting the fact that progress is not limited by political, cultural, or geographical barriers. These cables serve as conduits for data transmission, but their significance extends beyond that. They represent the ties that bridge gaps and promote understanding in a historically divided region. A breakthrough agreement has been signed to establish a projected fiber optic cable that will start in India and extend to Europe through the Middle East, marking an extraordinary development that is transforming the dynamics of the region. The Trans Europe Asia System (TEAS) is an extensive project covering 20,000 kilometers. Its objective is to connect Mumbai and Marseille by utilizing a combination of submarine cables and a terrestrial leg that stretches across the Arabian Peninsula.
The ambitious initiative, led by Cinturion, a promising newcomer in the business, has attracted considerable interest for its capacity to promote cooperation among Gulf states, Israel, and India. The distinguishing factor of TEAS lies not just in its immense magnitude but also in the symbolism it embodies.This is a concrete demonstration of how technology, connectivity, and forward-thinking diplomacy can overcome historical differences and promote new collaborations in the Middle East. Cinturion recently achieved a notable accomplishment by entering into a memorandum of understanding with a division of the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, commonly referred to as “Du”, in order to create a landing station in the United Arab Emirates. This strategic maneuver demonstrates the dedication of both the corporate and public sectors in the area to invest in a future defined by digital cooperation and economic integration.
Significantly, Cinturion’s enterprise is backed by a prominent Israeli infrastructure investment company, Keystone, suggesting the possibility of innovative partnerships between Israel and the Gulf states. The establishment of TEAS is in accordance with the overarching vision put forth by leaders in the Middle East and the G20, which aims to establish novel trade and connectivity pathways connecting India and Europe, supported by improved technology infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the significance of a corridor connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with a particular focus on the crucial role of fiber optic links in this goal. In the evolving realm of global affairs, where digital interconnectivity is just as crucial as conventional diplomacy, these submarine cables are functioning as essential conduits of cooperation, epitomizing the essence of advancement that transcends political frontiers.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was introduced at the G20 conference in New Delhi, aligns well with the objective of TEAS. IMEC aims to improve communication and economic integration between Asia, the Gulf, and Europe by installing new fiber optic cables over a route that is comparable to TEAS. The convergence of strategic efforts highlights a mutual dedication to use technology for the joint progress of nations. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, accurately expressed the importance of these advancements, highlighting that it is not just about transporting commodities, but also about connecting energy networks, data connections, and other elements. He emphasized the significant influence this partnership would have on Europe, the Middle East, and India, emphasizing the remarkable progress being made towards a digitally interconnected future.
The submarine cables originating in India are reshaping diplomatic paradigms in the Middle East during this era characterized by interdependence. As these cables traverse the depths of the ocean, they are creating a network of cooperation, economic development, and connectivity, demonstrating that in the domain of technology, authentic diplomacy has no limitations. Google’s declaration to construct and manage two vital underwater cable systems linking the Middle East with southern Europe and Asia demonstrates an unshakeable dedication to worldwide digital integration, particularly in light of recent regional tensions. Although there were worries about possible obstacles in the Israel-Gulf negotiations due to the unexpected assault by Hamas, the construction of the Blue Submarine Cable System, which will connect Israel with Italy, France, and Greece, and the Raman Submarine Cable System, which will link Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Oman, and India, is anticipated to continue according to the original schedule. These projects, which go beyond political tensions, represent the essential importance of global connectedness, acting as crucial channels for innovation, education, and economic development. As they traverse the depths of the water, these submarine cables represent the global resolve to come together in a linked future, where cooperation transcends boundaries and possibilities are plentiful. India, at the crossroads of this huge upcoming technological progress stands with firm determination towards a just and equitable digital world. India also opposes the limitations posed on development of submarine cables by reducing it to a domain of US-China rivalry. The non-alignment policy will also prevail in the technological Cold War happening between China and US, and India will again vote for a multipolar technological world order which has space for individual growth, cooperation and collaboration. The philosophy of Indian digital thought process takes into consideration the most important fact that any technology is of no use if it does not bring change to the lives of the downtrodden. India, sees technology as a tool of growth and prosperity for itself and votes for a just and equitable technological world order devoid of unnecessary conflicts and rivalries.
The authors are Monojit Das, independent researcher on internet governance and international relations.
Sudhanshu Kumar, Senior Research Fellow at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
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