How does the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz affect internet traffic?

The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for undersea internet cables, poses significant threats to global internet traffic, particularly affecting India's connectivity.

Why have cable repair operations in the region been halted?

Ongoing cable repair operations have been halted since September 2025 due to heightened security risks and the Strait of Hormuz becoming a conflict zone.

What are the potential impacts of the Hormuz conflict on India's digital ambitions?

The conflict could delay India's $270 billion data centre ambitions and its goals of becoming a cloud services export hub due to prolonged business disruption.

Home / Business and Economy / Global Internet Traffic at Risk as Hormuz Becomes Conflict Zone

Global Internet Traffic at Risk as Hormuz Becomes Conflict Zone

6 Mar

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Summary

Strait of Hormuz, vital for internet cables, is now a conflict zone.
Ongoing cable repairs halted due to heightened security risks.
New cable projects and India's digital ambitions face delays.

Global Internet Traffic at Risk as Hormuz Becomes Conflict Zone

The Strait of Hormuz, critical for a third of India's westward internet traffic, has become a new geopolitical flashpoint, significantly increasing risks for vital undersea cables. Previous assumptions about safe transit routes are being challenged by the escalating conflict in West Asia. Security concerns have forced a halt to ongoing cable repair operations since September 2025, impacting systems like Airtel's SEA-ME-WE 4 and Flag Telecom's FALCON.