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India and Australia have launched the Australia–India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) to deepen bilateral cooperation in cyber security, critical technologies, resilient supply chains, digital resilience and defence research.

The partnership replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation, reflecting the expanding strategic relationship between the two countries.

What is PACTS?

The Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) is a comprehensive bilateral framework designed to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, cyber resilience, trusted supply chains and defence innovation. It seeks to enhance both countries' capacity to address evolving geopolitical, technological and economic challenges while contributing to a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific.

The partnership will be jointly overseen by India's Deputy National Security Advisor and Australia's Deputy Secretary of the International and Security Group in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Key Pillars of PACTS

1. Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification:

The partnership seeks to build secure, trusted and diversified supply chains for critical technologies and strategic sectors. Both countries will also strengthen cooperation on undersea cable security through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, recognising the strategic importance of submarine communication infrastructure.

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is the lead agency on the Indian side.

2. Critical Technologies:

India and Australia will deepen collaboration in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), space technologies, telecommunications, biotechnology and advanced materials. The objective is to promote innovation, technological self-reliance and trusted technology ecosystems.

The Indian lead agency is the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).

3. Cyber Security:

The cyber pillar focuses on enhancing cooperation against cybercrime, improving cyber resilience and protecting critical infrastructure. The two countries will establish a streamlined bilateral cyber cooperation mechanism, expand dialogue on cybersecurity and data governance, and develop a Cyber Technology Skill Incubator to build skilled human resources.

The Cyber Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal agency for India.

4. Digital Resilience:

The partnership promotes cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across the Indo-Pacific region. It aims to support partner countries through capacity-building programmes and pilot projects based on India's successful DPI model, while also encouraging resilient digital infrastructure and clean technology solutions.

The Oceania Division of the Ministry of External Affairs leads this pillar.

5. Defence Research Collaboration:

India and Australia will strengthen cooperation between Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The partnership also encourages collaboration between defence start-ups and joint research in areas such as maritime surveillance, advanced materials and emerging defence technologies.

The Ministry of Defence is the lead agency from India.