India and Australia Launch PACTS to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Resilience
India and Australia have officially launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS). This initiative aims to enhance collaboration in cybersecurity, critical technologies, resilient supply chains, and defense research. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Australia, marking a significant step in bilateral relations.
Context and Background
The PACTS replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber-Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation. This new framework is designed to deepen collaboration in areas deemed essential for national security, economic growth, and regional stability. The partnership builds upon the existing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, focusing on secure supply chains and trusted digital infrastructure.
According to a joint statement, PACTS aims to promote technology innovation and cyber resilience across the Indo-Pacific region. The framework is structured to foster cooperation among governments, industries, research institutions, and universities, while also encouraging private sector investment and technology development.
Five Pillars of Cooperation
The partnership is organized around five key pillars:
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Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification: This pillar focuses on developing secure and trusted technology supply chains. India and Australia will establish a bilateral mechanism for trusted vendor frameworks and enhance cooperation on undersea cable security through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience. Additionally, the two countries will collaborate on semiconductor supply chain research and promote secure critical minerals supply chains through coordinated investment and regulatory cooperation.
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Critical Technologies: Under this pillar, both nations are committed to deepening collaboration in artificial intelligence, space technologies, telecommunications, biotechnology, and advanced materials. The partnership will support joint research initiatives and work towards international standards for trustworthy and secure AI, while also exploring opportunities in the rapidly expanding space sector.
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Cybersecurity: The cybersecurity pillar aims to enhance cooperation to combat cybercrime and strengthen cyber resilience. Plans include establishing a streamlined bilateral cyber cooperation mechanism, expanding dialogue on cybersecurity and data governance, facilitating joint workshops between government agencies and industry stakeholders, and creating a cyber technology skill incubator to promote workforce development.
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Digital Resilience: This pillar seeks to expand cooperation in digital public infrastructure (DPI) across the Indo-Pacific. India and Australia will collaborate to promote scalable and trusted digital solutions in sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, education, and social protection. The initiative also aims to assist partner countries in adopting India’s Digital Public Infrastructure model through capacity-building programs and pilot projects.
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Defense Research Collaboration: The final pillar focuses on deepening defense science and technology cooperation through joint research and institutional partnerships. The partnership will strengthen ties between Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), promote collaboration among defense start-ups, and conduct joint research in areas like maritime surveillance and advanced materials.
Oversight and Future Directions
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. An annual Senior Officials’ Meeting will be held to review progress, identify emerging cyber and technology risks, and determine new collaborative projects under each pillar.
Both countries have expressed that this new framework reflects their shared commitment to enhancing national security, digital resilience, and building trusted technology ecosystems. It also aims to support a secure, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
For further details, refer to the original reporting source: The Mainstream.
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