Exclusive Interview with Ashutosh Zutshi

As India accelerates its digital transformation initiatives, pls elaborate on how submarine cable systems play a pivotal role in enabling the nation’s long-term vision for a digitally connected future.
Submarine cable systems are the backbone of global internet connectivity, facilitating 99 percent of international data traffic. In India, as we accelerate towards becoming a USD 5 trillion digital economy, these cables form the foundation for achieving our vision of seamless connectivity. They not only provide the infrastructure needed to support growing data consumption, which in turn supports economic activity, but also enable advanced technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and IoT to thrive.

NEC’s submarine cable systems have been instrumental in creating digital bridges to remote locations, ensuring that even the most geographically isolated regions are connected to the mainland. KLI and CANI are critical components of India’s digital inclusion strategy. Today, these islands have high-speed, low-latency connectivity for the first time since Independence. This has been critical in enabling the residents of these regions to scale economic activity and thrive in an uninterrupted manner, while bringing significant improvements to their socio-economic conditions.

Submarine cables also strengthen India’s position as a global data hub by facilitating international bandwidth demand and enabling greater economic collaboration across borders. These systems are fundamental to the government’s Digital India initiatives, supporting smart cities, e-governance, and digital healthcare, thereby driving economic growth and improving the quality of life. As NEC, we remain committed to advancing this infrastructure through sustainable, innovative, and secure solutions, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global connectivity.

Please share on how you have been instrumental in shaping NEC India’s journey
Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of contributing to transformative projects that have been pivotal to digital connectivity. My journey at NEC Corporation India has been centered on leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance India’s digital infrastructure. I have handled numerous projects related to deployment of satellite and microwave communication systems not only in major cities but also in some of the remotest and inaccessible regions of India. As the Senior Vice President & Head-Submarine, my role encompasses steering submarine cable projects that bridge the digital divide, ensuring remote and disconnected regions benefit from robust connectivity.

Globally, NEC has a rich legacy in submarine cable systems, having laid over 400,000 kilometers of cables across the world. In India, our focus has been to scale up our global capabilities to solve India’s unique connectivity challenges. During my tenure at NEC India, we have facilitated marquee projects like the Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar Islands (CANI) and Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands (KLI) cables, which not only demonstrate our technical expertise but also reflect our commitment to India’s digital transformation.

Our emphasis has been on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. By fostering partnerships with governmental and private stakeholders, we have managed to align NEC’s global expertise with India’s vision for digital inclusivity. It’s immensely rewarding to see the tangible socio-economic benefits these projects bring, from boosting local economies to empowering communities with access to education and healthcare.

What strategic milestones and critical challenges were encountered during the implementation of the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands (KLI) submarine cable project, and how were they addressed?
The Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands (KLI) submarine cable project is a testament to NEC’s commitment to delivering resilient digital infrastructure in challenging environments. This project aimed to connect the mainland with 11 islands, providing them with high-speed broadband access for the first time since India gained Independence.

One of the significant milestones was achieving seamless connectivity across geographically dispersed locations, which required meticulous planning and execution. The challenges were multifold: deep-sea cable laying, unpredictable weather conditions, and ensuring minimal disruption to marine ecosystems.

We addressed these challenges through advanced technologies and strategic frameworks. Deployment of state-of-the-art cable-laying vessels and precise marine surveys ensured efficient installation while minimizing environmental impact. Collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders helped us navigate logistical and administrative complexities effectively.

Additionally, NEC’s robust project management practices ensured timely delivery despite limited weather window available for operations. The success of the KLI project exemplifies our ability to innovate, adapt, and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders, to ultimately transform the digital landscape of the Lakshadweep Islands.

In the face of logistical and environmental complexities, what innovative strategies and frameworks enabled NEC India to successfully deliver the CANI project?
The Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar Islands (CANI) project posed unique challenges, from navigating ecologically sensitive regions to overcoming logistical hurdles in remote areas. Not only that, some of the key milestones of the project were completed during the peak pandemic period. NEC India’s success in this landmark project was driven by our emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and effective collaboration.

To address logistical complexities, we deployed advanced marine survey technologies and specialized cable-laying vessels capable of operating in challenging conditions. NEC’s submarine cables are designed for resilience and adaptability, ensuring they withstand harsh environmental factors. Sustainability was a key priority, and our team worked closely with environmental experts to minimize the project’s ecological footprint. Furthermore, NEC India’s strategic collaboration with the Government of India ensured a shared vision for the project’s successful execution.

The CANI project has been transformative, delivering high-speed internet connectivity to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Since its inauguration, the broadband subscriber base has more than doubled and data usage has gone up by more than five times The marked improvement in voice and data connectivity and quality, and the possibility of implementing 4G & 5G telecommunications services has been game changing in every way possible. The islands have seen new opportunities for growth across education, healthcare, e-commerce, tourism, banking, and much more – the true emblem of the power of digital inclusion. It reflects NEC’s commitment to creating sustainable and future-ready connectivity solutions.

What strategic roadmap do you foresee for NEC India in future submarine cable initiatives both in India and globally?
Building on the success of transformative projects like the KLI and CANI, NEC India’s strategic roadmap focuses on leveraging innovation and collaboration to lead future submarine cable initiatives. Our vision aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global digital hub while proactively supporting to bridge the digital divide.

NEC aims to expand its footprint in India by prioritizing projects that enable seamless connectivity for remote regions, still facing the brunt of the digital divide. Future initiatives will incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven network monitoring and sustainable cable designs to enhance performance and durability.

On a global scale, NEC is exploring opportunities to deploy next-generation submarine cables that support the increasing demand for international bandwidth and emerging technologies. Partnerships with governments and private stakeholders will remain central to our approach, ensuring that projects align with regional development goals. Furthermore, NEC is committed to advancing green initiatives in submarine cable systems to promote environmental sustainability. Our roadmap underscores our dedication to empowering digital transformation and ensuring that connectivity becomes a universal right.