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I-2SEA Submarine Cable: 3,600 km India-Malaysia-Singapore Link by Microsoft-Lightstorm-Tata-Singtel for AI Data Centres (Target: Q4 2029)

Science & TechInfrastructureIntl. RelationsHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
02 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:3,600 kmQ4 2029MachilipatnamSouth ChennaiNEC CorporationASEAN Cableship
Bodies:MicrosoftLightstormSingtelTata CommunicationsNEC CorporationASEAN Cableship
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Consortium-led submarine cable project connecting India’s east coast (Machilipatnam & South Chennai) with Malaysia and Singapore to boost AI and cloud infrastructure.

2.Named I-2SEA, the cable will span over 3,600 km and is slated to be ready-for-service in Q4 2029 with dual landings in India.

3.Examiner angle: Focus on the consortium composition (Microsoft, Lightstorm, Singtel, Tata), the cable’s strategic value for AI connectivity, and the role of submarine cables in India's digital infrastructure.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

A global consortium (Microsoft, Lightstorm, Singtel, Tata Communications) has unveiled the I-2SEA submarine cable system linking India (Machilipatnam & Chennai) to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore. This 3,600 km high-capacity cable, targeted for Q4 2029, is strategically critical for AI workloads and hyperscaler data centres, making it a high-yield topic for infrastructure and digital economy questions.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Cable NameI-2SEA
Length3,600 km (Singapore-Machilipatnam)
Target Ready-for-ServiceQ4 2029
Indian Landing PointsMachilipatnam & South Chennai
System SupplierNEC Corporation
Marine Installation PartnerASEAN Cableship (ACPL)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Cable Name: I-2SEA
  • ›Length: 3,600 km (Singapore-Machilipatnam)
  • ›Target this Data: I-2SEA cable length = 3,600 km; target completion = Q4 2029; Indian landings at Machilipatnam & South Chennai
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Consortium members – Microsoft, Lightstorm, Singtel, Tata Communications
  • ›Target this Legal/Technical Point: System supplier = NEC Corporation; Marine partner = ASEAN Cableship (ACPL)

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which company has been appointed as the system supplier for the I-2SEA submarine cable project?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the I-2SEA submarine cable project:

1. The cable will link India’s east coast directly to Singapore and Malaysia.

2. The cable is estimated to be 2,500 km long from Singapore to Machilipatnam.

3. The consortium includes Microsoft, Lightstorm, Singtel, and Tata Communications.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the estimated length of the I-2SEA submarine cable from Singapore to Machilipatnam?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the I-2SEA submarine cable project?

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