
India’s digital growth has become a tale of promise interwoven with significant challenges. As the country’s digital economy surges, the demand for low-latency, high-capacity connectivity has never been greater, with subsea cables emerging as vital conduits. At the forefront of this evolution is APTelecom, a company spearheading crucial projects and forging partnerships to enhance regional infrastructure.
In a candid interview during the Submarine Networks World 2025, Anup Gupta, President for India and the SAARC region at APTelecom, discussed the transformative role the company is playing in India and the broader region. Gupta emphasized how APTelecom is not just contributing to infrastructure but is also reshaping the future of connectivity.
With India as a major strategic focus, APTelecom recently hosted its inaugural submarine cable event, Wavelength, in New Delhi. This successful gathering illuminated the critical needs for India to advance its digital landscape. Among the pressing requirements outlined were the establishment of independent maintenance and repair capacities, open-access landing stations, redundancy beyond key hubs like Mumbai and Chennai, and the development of a domestic submarine cable system.
“Our engagement with various stakeholders is pivotal,” Gupta explained. “We see India not just as a market, but as an essential partner in shaping the global digital future.”
APTelecom’s scope extends far beyond India, as it plays a crucial role in projects across Asia and the Pacific. The company is currently working in regions like Indonesia, Vietnam, the Pacific Islands, Bangladesh, Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand, with many initiatives in the early stages or recently secured. As Gupta pointed out, “Every project we undertake aims to transform vision into reality.”
The company’s involvement spans feasibility studies and vendor selection to full project management, all underpinned by a belief that subsea systems are not just about capacity—they are strategic digital assets of the future. “We ensure projects not only launch successfully but also scale sustainably, aligning with our long-term mission of fostering trusted connectivity in emerging markets,” he highlighted.
In an environment where infrastructure investments can often be unpredictable, APTelecom focuses on nurturing long-term trust with stakeholders. “Whether operating in India or any other market, our credibility stems from expertise, local insight, and a hands-on approach,” Gupta stated.
Rather than simply advising and stepping away, APTelecom commits to walking alongside its customers from strategy formulation to execution. “That consistency fosters the trust necessary for growth in complex investment landscapes,” he noted, affirming the company’s dedication to its partners.
In the fast-evolving subsea market, APTelecom distinguishes itself not just by what it delivers but by how it navigates change. “We’re in a period of rapid evolution, marked by new technologies and emerging financial models,” Gupta remarked, hinting at the industry’s dynamic nature.
By offering a comprehensive advisory model encompassing strategy, investment, and execution, APTelecom ensures its projects are both robust in design and viable in the marketplace. Their work transcends mere cables; it’s about forging partnerships that foster growth and resilience in a changing world.
What is APTelecom’s strategy for enhancing digital infrastructure in India?
APTelecom focuses on developing resilient infrastructure that includes independent maintenance capabilities and open-access landing stations while engaging with multiple stakeholders to unlock India’s digital growth.
How does APTelecom differentiate itself within the subsea cable market?
APTelecom sets itself apart by combining strategic advisory services with hands-on project management, ensuring that their initiatives are not only technically sound but also commercially viable.
What is APTelecom’s approach to building trust with its partners?
By demonstrating credibility through expertise and local insight, APTelecom fosters long-term trust by remaining engaged with clients throughout the entire project lifecycle, rather than just offering guidance and moving on.