Science & TechnologySource: The Hindu
India's Preparedness Against Internet Disruptions
Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Read Original ArticleKey Points
India has been ranked 9th globally for its preparedness against internet disruptions, according to a TRG Datacenters study. This ranking is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 3, which covers technology, economic development, and security issues. Last Updated: 14-07-2026
Key Facts About India's Internet Disruption Preparedness
- India ranked ninth among nearly 100 countries for digital breakdown resilience.
- India's vulnerability score is 23.4, indicating strong digital resilience.
- Connected to the global internet through 22 submarine cables, the lowest among the top 10 countries.
- India has 40 Internet Exchange Points to facilitate domestic data exchange.
- Electricity access covers 99.5% of the population, crucial for digital infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity readiness score is 98.5 out of 100, reflecting strong protective measures.
- Approximately 70% of the population uses the internet, indicating high dependence.
- In September 2025, cable damage near Saudi Arabia affected internet services in India.
India's Strategic Digital Infrastructure
India's digital infrastructure is vital for achieving its economic and strategic goals. With a high internet usage rate, the country's digital economy is poised for growth, making resilience against disruptions essential. Comparatively, India lags in submarine cable diversity, highlighting the need for strategic enhancements to maintain global competitiveness.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Technology, Economic Development, Security Issues
- Prelims: Questions on India's ranking, vulnerability score, and digital infrastructure specifics.
- Mains: Analytical themes on digital resilience, infrastructure development, and cybersecurity.
- Essay Paper: Topics on digital economy and infrastructure challenges.
FAQ Section
- What is an Internet blackout? An internet blackout is a large-scale disruption or shutdown of internet connectivity in a country or region.
- What is India’s ranking in the TRG Datacenters study? India ranked ninth among the top 10 countries least likely to be badly hit by a digital breakdown.
- What is India’s vulnerability score? India recorded a vulnerability score of 23.4.
- Which country topped the list? The United States topped the list with a vulnerability score of zero.
Detailed Coverage
- India ranks ninth in internet blackout preparedness among nearly 100 countries.
- Vulnerability score of 23.4 indicates strong digital resilience.
- Connected to the global internet via 22 submarine cables.
- Compared to the US with 115 cables and the UK with 65 cables.
- Has 40 Internet Exchange Points for domestic data exchange.
- Electricity access covers 99.5% of the population.
- Cybersecurity score of 98.5 out of 100.
- Approximately 70% of the population uses the internet.
- Strengths include extensive Internet Exchange Points and strong cybersecurity.
- Gaps include low number of submarine cables and shared points of failure.
- September 2025 incident highlighted vulnerability due to external disruptions.
- Measures needed include diversifying cable routes and strengthening systems.
- An internet blackout refers to a complete or partial disruption of connectivity.
- Causes include cable damage, cyberattacks, and natural disasters.
- Prolonged blackouts disrupt communication, banking, and emergency services.
- Countries with few cable routes face greater disruption risks.
Science & Technology