India and Australia have launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS), a new strategic framework designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in cyber security, critical technologies, resilient supply chains, and defence research.
Announced following high-level bilateral engagements, PACTS succeeds and replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation, expanding the scope of collaboration to address emerging technological and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The new partnership aims to enhance national and regional security, improve the resilience of critical supply chains, strengthen global cyber resilience, and promote trusted technology ecosystems built on democratic values, safety, and security.
Five Pillars of Co-operation:
PACTS is structured around five key pillars that will guide collaboration between government agencies, industry, academia, and research institutions in both countries.
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience:
Under the first pillar, India and Australia will work to develop secure, trusted, and diversified supply chains for critical technologies. Planned initiatives include establishing trusted vendor frameworks, strengthening semiconductor supply chain research, expanding cooperation on critical minerals, and supporting secure undersea cable infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific through initiatives such as the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience.The two countries also aim to encourage greater commercial collaboration and diversify bilateral technology trade.
Expanding Co-operation on Critical Technologies:
The second pillar focuses on advancing cooperation in priority technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, biotechnology, advanced materials, and space technologies.Both governments will promote joint research and innovation, support the development of international standards for safe and trustworthy AI, encourage collaboration between universities and industry, and explore new opportunities in the rapidly growing space sector.
Enhancing Cyber Security:
Recognising the growing cyber threat landscape, the partnership includes measures to strengthen cooperation against cybercrime and malicious cyber activities.India and Australia will establish streamlined bilateral mechanisms for cyber cooperation, enhance engagement in United Nations cyber processes, improve information sharing, conduct joint cyber security workshops, and establish a cyber technology skills incubator to develop specialised expertise.The agreement also seeks to expand trade and investment opportunities in cyber security and digital technologies.
Promoting Digital Resilience:
The fourth pillar seeks to deliver trusted and scalable digital solutions across the Indo-Pacific by leveraging India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) expertise and Australia’s technology capabilities.The two countries will jointly support digital transformation initiatives covering clean energy, resilient infrastructure, healthcare, education, connectivity, social protection, and skills development while assisting Indo-Pacific partners in building secure and locally adaptable digital ecosystems.
Defence Research and Innovation:
The fifth pillar focuses on strengthening defence science and technology cooperation.India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group will deepen institutional collaboration through regular exchanges, joint research projects, and stronger links between defence innovation ecosystems and start-ups.Priority areas include maritime surveillance technologies, advanced materials, and other emerging defence capabilities designed to address multi-domain security challenges.
Governance Framework:
Implementation of PACTS will be overseen jointly by the Australian Deputy Secretary of the International and Security Group in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and India’s Deputy National Security Advisor.
Annual Senior Officials’ Meetings will review progress under each of the five pillars, identify emerging cyber and technology risks, and approve future collaborative projects.
On the Indian side, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), the Ministry of External Affairs’ Cyber Diplomacy Division, and the Oceania Division will lead implementation across different pillars, working closely with Australia’s Office of the Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology.
Strategic Significance:
The launch of PACTS marks a significant expansion of India-Australia cooperation beyond traditional cyber security into critical technologies, resilient supply chains, defence innovation, and digital infrastructure.
By integrating government, industry, and research collaboration under a single strategic framework, both countries aim to enhance technological resilience, promote secure and trusted innovation, and strengthen the broader Indo-Pacific’s digital and economic security architecture.
