India and Australia Launch Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS)

What is PACTS?

PACTS is a new bilateral framework designed to deepen cooperation in cyber and critical technologies while promoting secure and diversified supply chains.

According to the announcement, the partnership seeks to:

• Enhance national and regional security.
• Strengthen cyber resilience.
• Expand trusted digital infrastructure.
• Promote secure and resilient supply chains.
• Support innovation based on shared democratic values.

The framework is organised around five key pillars of cooperation.

Five Pillars of Cooperation

Under PACTS, both countries will encourage collaboration between government agencies, private enterprises, universities, and research institutions. The initiative also aims to accelerate technology commercialisation, increase investment in innovation, and support economic growth through stronger research partnerships.

1. Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification

India and Australia will work together to develop secure and diversified supply chains for critical technologies.

Key areas of cooperation include:

• Promoting secure-by-design manufacturing practices.
• Developing trusted vendor frameworks.
• Strengthening regulatory safeguards.
• Improving undersea cable connectivity across the Indo-Pacific region.

2. Critical Technologies

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration across several strategic technology sectors, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Telecommunications
• Space technologies
• Biotechnology

Both countries will also work together to support international technology standards and expand cooperation in government and commercial space programmes.

3. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity cooperation will focus on protecting digital infrastructure and combating cyber threats.

Planned initiatives include:

• Establishing a bilateral cybersecurity cooperation mechanism.
• Enhancing collaboration in ICT security.
• Strengthening efforts to combat cybercrime.
• Expanding dialogue on data governance and digital security frameworks.

4. Digital Resilience

The two countries will collaborate to develop scalable digital solutions that support economic development across the Indo-Pacific.

Key priorities include:

• Promoting Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• Supporting digital transformation initiatives.
• Expanding technology solutions for clean energy and other development sectors.
• Improving access to affordable digital services.

5. Defence Research Collaboration

India and Australia will deepen defence technology cooperation by strengthening joint research programmes.

Areas of focus include:

• Defence science and technology.
• Maritime innovation.
• Multi-domain defence capabilities.
• Collaborative research addressing future security challenges.

Focus on Innovation and Economic Growth

Beyond government-level cooperation, PACTS aims to foster stronger partnerships between industry, academia, and research organisations.

The framework seeks to:

• Encourage investment in emerging technologies.
• Translate research and intellectual property into commercial opportunities.
• Build innovation ecosystems that support long-term economic growth.

Conclusion

The Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) marks a significant step in expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries. Built around five core pillars—supply chain resilience, critical technologies, cybersecurity, digital resilience, and defence research—the initiative aims to strengthen regional security, promote technological innovation, and create new opportunities for collaboration across government, industry, and academia.

Summary

India and Australia have launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and resilient supply chains.

The initiative builds on the two countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement with a broader roadmap aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration in critical technology sectors.