Australia and India have unveiled the Australia-India PACTS, a new framework designed to deepen bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity, critical technologies, supply chain resilience, digital resilience, and defence research.
The new partnership replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation and aims to strengthen national security, economic growth, and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific.
The two countries said the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) builds on two decades of research collaboration, operational coordination, and policy engagement. It also reflects their shared commitment to creating secure digital ecosystems while promoting trusted technology partnerships.
Australia-India PACTS Built on Five Pillars
The Australia-India PACTS is structured around five pillars that will drive collaboration between governments, research institutions, universities, and the private sector. The framework is intended to increase two-way investment in emerging technologies while supporting innovation and the commercialisation of research.
The first pillar focuses on supply chain resilience by strengthening trusted technology supply chains and promoting secure trade. Both countries will establish a bilateral mechanism for trusted vendor frameworks and work together to improve undersea cable security through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience. The partnership also includes collaboration on semiconductor research, critical minerals, and trade diversification.
Australia-India PACTS Expands Critical Technology Collaboration
The second pillar focuses on critical technologies, with Australia and India planning to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, biotechnology, advanced materials, and space technologies.
The framework also supports the development of international standards for trustworthy AI and encourages collaboration between academic institutions and industry to promote responsible AI deployment. The two countries will also explore joint research, investment initiatives, and commercial partnerships in emerging technologies to strengthen long-term economic security across the Indo-Pacific.
Australia-India Prioritises Cybersecurity
A major component of the partnership is Australia India cybersecurity cooperation. Under the third pillar, both governments will work together to counter cybercrime, deter malicious cyber activity, strengthen cyber policy coordination, and protect critical infrastructure.
The framework proposes a consolidated bilateral mechanism for cyber and ICT cooperation, expanded engagement in United Nations cyber processes, increased trade opportunities for cybersecurity businesses, and practical workshops involving government agencies and industry stakeholders.
The partnership will also establish a cyber technology skills incubator to promote knowledge exchange and workforce development.
Australia-India PACTS Advances Digital Resilience
The fourth pillar focuses on digital resilience across the Indo-Pacific. Australia and India will collaborate on trusted Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives and promote scalable digital solutions that support connectivity, healthcare, education, renewable energy, critical infrastructure, and digital transformation.
The partnership also seeks to expand pilot projects that help countries across the region build adaptable digital ecosystems while strengthening regional capabilities.
Defence Research and Governance Framework
The fifth pillar strengthens defence science collaboration through joint research, innovation partnerships, and greater engagement between Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Areas of cooperation include maritime surveillance, advanced materials, defence innovation, and stronger links between defence start-up ecosystems.
The Australia-India PACTS will be jointly overseen by the Australian Deputy Secretary of the International and Security Group within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Indian Deputy National Security Advisor. Annual Senior Officials Meetings will review progress, assess emerging cyber and technology risks, and identify future collaborative projects under each pillar.
With the launch of Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS), both countries have outlined a long-term roadmap that brings together cybersecurity, critical technologies, supply chain resilience, digital resilience, and defence cooperation under a single strategic framework aimed at strengthening security and technology collaboration across the Indo-Pacific.
