Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced new subsea cable routes connecting India and the United States. He unveiled the initiative during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Moreover, the project aims to boost AI connectivity between India and multiple Southern Hemisphere locations. Therefore, it represents one of Google’s most significant infrastructure commitments in the region.
Pichai emphasized that advanced artificial intelligence requires robust digital backbone systems. Consequently, high-capacity subsea cables will enable faster, reliable, and secure data transfers globally.
India-America Connect Initiative Launched
Google introduced the India-America Connect Initiative as a major connectivity expansion program. Specifically, the initiative will deploy new undersea cable routes across strategic corridors.
Sundar Pichai recalling his college days #Vizag as a “quiet coastal city with potential” and now Google is building a full-stack Al hub with gigawatt-scale compute & an international subsea
gateway there.#Visakhapatnam #IndiaAlImpactSummit #AIHub #Google #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/s6guqRcb8G— Andhra Community (@AndhraCommunity) February 19, 2026
Furthermore, these routes will enhance direct connectivity between India and US data centers. As a result, AI workloads and cloud computing operations will improve significantly.
Pichai stated that India stands at the forefront of AI transformation. Therefore, Google wants to serve as a long-term infrastructure partner.
Vizag AI Hub Anchors the Vision
Building on this expansion, Pichai referenced the USD 15 billion AI hub in Visakhapatnam. The hub will house gigawatt-scale compute facilities supporting advanced AI systems.
Additionally, it will include an international subsea cable gateway. Consequently, the facility will serve as a critical digital entry point.
When completed, the Vizag hub will connect India more efficiently with global networks. Moreover, it will create jobs and drive technological growth.
Why Subsea Cables Matter for AI
Subsea cables form the backbone of global internet connectivity worldwide. Therefore, expanding these routes directly strengthens AI infrastructure capacity.
AI systems require massive data transfers between global data centers daily. Consequently, improved cable routes reduce latency and enhance performance.
Moreover, diversified cable paths increase resilience against network disruptions. As a result, India gains stronger digital sovereignty and stability.
Pichai stressed that infrastructure investments must align with human capital development. However, he noted that connectivity forms the foundation first.
Boosting Strategic and Economic Cooperation
The India-America Connect Initiative also strengthens strategic technological ties between both nations. Furthermore, enhanced digital corridors support innovation partnerships and research collaborations.
By linking India directly to US AI hubs, Google accelerates cross-border development efforts. Consequently, startups and enterprises gain faster access to global computing power.
Additionally, subsea cables enhance India’s position as a digital export powerhouse. Therefore, the initiative aligns with India’s ambition to become a global AI leader.
Complementing India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
India already leads in digital public infrastructure adoption globally. Therefore, stronger connectivity multiplies the impact of that ecosystem.
Pichai cited India’s high AI adoption in voice and visual search technologies. Consequently, robust networks will support real-time AI services nationwide.
Moreover, improved connectivity benefits sectors including healthcare, education, and climate resilience. As a result, citizens experience faster, smarter digital services.
A Long-Term Commitment to India
Pichai reiterated Google’s full-stack commitment to India’s digital transformation journey. He expressed confidence in India’s extraordinary AI growth trajectory.
Therefore, the subsea cable expansion reflects both technological vision and strategic partnership. Additionally, it positions India as a central node in global AI infrastructure networks.
Ultimately, the India-America Connect Initiative signals deeper integration between two technology powerhouses. Through resilient connectivity, India’s AI ecosystem gains the backbone required for future growth.
