India and Australia on Thursday unveiled an ambitious new framework to deepen cooperation in cybersecurity, critical technologies, and resilient supply chains, signalling a major expansion of their strategic partnership amid growing geopolitical competition and concerns over the security of global technology ecosystems.
New Framework Replaces 2020 Agreement
The new initiative, titled the India-Australia Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS), replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation. It seeks to strengthen collaboration across emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
The two countries said resilient supply chains, critical technologies, and cybersecurity had become central not only to economic growth but also to national security and the shaping of global technological standards.
Focus on Secure Supply Chains
Under the partnership, India and Australia will work to build secure, trusted, and diversified supply chains, with a particular focus on semiconductors, critical minerals, and undersea cable infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. As part of the initiative, the two sides will collaborate on developing trusted vendor frameworks, protecting semiconductor supply chains through joint research, and strengthening critical minerals cooperation through coordinated investments, regulatory alignment, and recycling technologies.
Collaboration in Emerging Technologies
The agreement also envisages closer collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, telecommunications, and space technologies. Recognising AI as a strategic technology, India and Australia will work together to develop international standards and best practices for trustworthy, safe, and secure artificial intelligence. The partnership will encourage joint research between universities, greater industry collaboration, and knowledge-sharing on AI infrastructure, large language models, and computing capabilities.
Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience
In the cyber domain, the two countries will enhance cooperation to combat cybercrime, deter malicious cyber activity, and protect critical infrastructure. They also plan to establish a streamlined bilateral mechanism to coordinate cyber policy, capacity-building initiatives, and regional cooperation while expanding trade and investment opportunities for cybersecurity companies.
Another key pillar of the partnership focuses on promoting digital resilience across the Indo-Pacific. India and Australia will jointly support the adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) solutions in partner countries, particularly in areas such as clean energy, connectivity, health care, education, social protection, and digital governance.
Strategic Convergence of Quad Partners
Officials said the initiative reflects the growing strategic convergence between the two Quad partners, who are increasingly working together to build trusted technology ecosystems and reduce vulnerabilities in critical global supply chains. The partnership will be jointly overseen by India's Deputy National Security Adviser and Australia's Deputy Secretary of the International and Security Group in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Annual senior officials' meetings will review progress, identify emerging risks, and steer cooperation under the four pillars of supply chain resilience, critical technologies, cybersecurity, and digital resilience.
The announcement comes as India and Australia seek to broaden their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership beyond trade and defence into emerging technologies that are expected to shape the future global economy and security architecture.
