February 15, 2025: In a significant boost to India’s digital infrastructure, social media giant Meta has announced its ambitious "Project Waterworth," the world’s longest undersea cable spanning over 50,000 kilometers—longer than the Earth’s circumference. The project aims to enhance global internet connectivity by linking five major continents, with India playing a pivotal role in the initiative.

As part of the US-India Joint Leaders' Statement released on February 13 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, India has been identified as one of the key markets for this high-capacity, technologically advanced subsea cable network. The initiative underscores Meta's commitment to strengthening India's digital infrastructure and fostering technological growth.

"Meta is investing in India—one of its largest markets—bringing the world's longest, highest capacity, and most technologically advanced subsea cable project to connect India, the US, and other locations," a Meta spokesperson said on Saturday.

Undersea cables serve as the backbone of global internet operations, enabling seamless connectivity across nations. These cables play a crucial role in ensuring high-speed internet access, with local telecom operators leveraging them to provide improved services to consumers. The investment is particularly significant at a time when telecom operators have been urging major technology firms, including Meta, to contribute to the development of network infrastructure to manage increasing data traffic and enhance user experience.

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

According to the US-India joint statement, India also plans to invest in the maintenance, repair, and financing of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, utilizing trusted vendors for the initiative.

In a blog post detailing "Project Waterworth," Meta emphasized its deployment of cutting-edge routing technology, ensuring optimal cable placement in deep waters at depths of up to 7,000 meters. Additionally, advanced burial techniques will be used in shallow waters and high-risk fault zones to minimize potential damage from ship anchors and other hazards.

The multi-billion-dollar project is expected to significantly enhance the reliability and scalability of global digital highways powering Meta's applications and services. With the cable network slated for completion by the end of the decade, Meta aims to foster greater economic cooperation, promote digital inclusion, and unlock new technological opportunities in the connected regions.

"In India, where we've already seen significant growth and investment in digital infrastructure, Waterworth will help accelerate this progress and support the country's ambitious plans for its digital economy," Meta stated.

As India's digital landscape continues to expand, the implementation of "Project Waterworth" is poised to play a critical role in shaping the nation’s internet infrastructure and supporting its long-term digital ambitions.