Australia–India Partnership On Cyber, Critical Technologies And Supply Chains (PACTS), 2026: Strengthening Strategic Resilience In The Indo-Pacific

Policy Update
CB Kavin Adithya

Background

The proliferation of digital technologies underscores the importance of cybersecurity, critical technologies, and supply chain resilience to Australia’s and India’s national security, economic growth, and innovation capacity. Advancements in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and digital infrastructure present significant opportunities, yet concurrently introduce risks, including cyber threats, technological disruptions, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and competition for critical resources have amplified the need for robust partnerships to mitigate strategic risks and foster techno-security.

Within this context, Australia and India have intensified bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in 2020, recognizing the centrality of technology and supply chains to regional security and prosperity. The Australia–India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (AUSIND PACTS), launched on July 9, 2026, at the Third Australia–India Annual Summit, replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation.

AUSIND PACTS builds upon the 2020 Australia-India Cyber and Cyber Security Dialogue, aiming to establish a strategic alliance among government, academia, research institutions, communities, and industries in both nations to advance shared objectives in cybersecurity, critical technologies, supply chains, digital technologies, and defense research. Its scope extends beyond its predecessor’s focus on cybersecurity and techno-security, promoting a comprehensive national approach to developing secure technology ecosystems.

Key initiatives within this partnership include developing trusted and resilient technology ecosystems, fortifying critical mineral and semiconductor supply chains, fostering responsible innovation, expanding India’s Digital Public Infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific, and encouraging collaborative defense research and innovation. Strategic guidance and oversight for AUSIND PACTS are provided through the Australia–India Strategic Partnership Dialogue, involving high-level officials from both countries, with annual Senior Officials’ Meetings. This collaboration signifies Australia’s and India’s dedication to addressing strategic vulnerabilities and promoting security and prosperity through strengthened strategic, economic, and technological engagement, aligning with the broader objective of an open, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Functioning

PACTS serves as an organized bilateral framework for interagency, industry, academia, research institutions, and defense cooperation rather than as a stand-alone funding program. It is co-led by India’s Deputy National Security Advisor and Australia’s Deputy Secretary of the International and Security Group. A Senior Officials’ Meeting is held annually to assess advancements, identify emerging technological and security risks, and approve new areas of cooperation. This governance mechanism allows the partnership to adjust to evolving geopolitical and technological developments.

The framework is structured around five interrelated pillars: secure undersea cable connectivity, cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, reliable suppliers, and resilient supply chains.

Joint Research and Innovation: Cooperation in advanced materials, biotechnology, telecommunications, space technologies, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and responsible innovation standards.

Cybersecurity includes information exchange, preventing cybercrime, building capacity, responding to cyber incidents, and creating an incubator for cyber technology skills.

Digital Resilience: Using pilot projects and technical support throughout the Indo-Pacific, India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model is being expanded.

Defense Research: Institutional collaboration in advanced materials, autonomous systems, maritime technologies, and defense innovation between Australia’s Defense Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

The resilient supply chain pillar places a high premium on collaboration in critical minerals and semiconductors. Australia has substantial reserves of rare earth elements, cobalt, nickel, and lithium, all of which are essential for the manufacture of batteries, semiconductors, clean energy technologies, and defense. These benefits are strengthened by India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, electronics manufacturing, chip design capabilities, and digital infrastructure. The partnership also supports secure underwater communication cables, diverse sourcing methods, and dependable telecommunications equipment to reduce reliance on unstable global supply chains.

Performance

Since its launch in July 2026, PACTS has shifted Australia-India cooperation’s emphasis from policy debate to practical implementation. By combining existing research grants, innovation partnerships, academic networks, and government initiatives rather than creating new institutions, the framework enhances technological cooperation while avoiding institutional duplication.

PACTS builds on the achievements of the 2020–2026 Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP). Through five rounds of competitive grants and 28 cooperative research projects, AICCTP established a strong basis for cooperation between academic institutions, think tanks, research organizations, start-ups, and business partners from both countries.

Table: Evolution of Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Grant Programme (2021–2025)

Grant Round	Year	Representative Projects	Lead Partner(s)	Policy Focus
Round 1	2021	Next Generation Telecommunications Networks; Quantum Meta-Ethics	University of Sydney, IIT Madras, ORF	Secure telecom networks and responsible quantum governance
Round 2	2022	Cross-Border Data Flows; Ethical 6G Framework	Victoria University, Gujarat National Law University, IIIT Bangalore	Data governance, cybersecurity and trusted digital communications
Round 3	2023	Responsible AI for Net Zero; Blockchain Digital Credential Systems	Swinburne University, IIT Madras, IIT Palakkad, DNLU Jabalpur	Ethical AI, sustainability and secure digital identity
Round 4	2024	Submarine Cable Connectivity; Digital Public Infrastructure; Responsible Quantum Technologies	University of Melbourne, IIIT Bangalore, ICRIER, University of Queensland, CSIRO, QETCI	Supply chain resilience, DPI and quantum governance
Round 5	2025	Quantum-Safe Digital Public Infrastructure; AI for Critical Energy Supply Chains; Open and Competitive AI Economies	Deakin University, VIT, Symbiosis, La Trobe University, IIT Kanpur, University of Sydney, IT for Change	Post-quantum cybersecurity, resilient infrastructure and AI governance

Sources: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership Grants.

Submarine cable resilience, artificial intelligence ethics, post-quantum cryptography, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity for energy systems, blockchain security, and responsible technology standards are among the current projects funded by the framework. The University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, CSIRO, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIIT Bengaluru, the Observer Research Foundation, and ICRIER are among the participating organizations. These programs encourage innovation pertinent to the Indo-Pacific area while bolstering evidence-based policymaking.

Through programs like PACTS, the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership, improved space cooperation, and collaborative efforts in critical minerals, semiconductor research, and defense technology, the Third Australia–India Annual Summit further increased cooperation. The institutional foundations laid thus far show great potential for long-term strategic and technological cooperation, even though the long-term results will take time to materialize.

Impact

While PACTS offers a comprehensive approach to strategic technology partnerships, its long-term success will depend on addressing several of the following challenges and considerations.

First and foremost, cooperation may be hampered by different data protection laws, digital governance frameworks, and regulations on emerging technologies. A PACTS-style regulatory dialogue will facilitate convergence and reduce compliance challenges.

Second, while research partnerships have been formed, they have not yielded significant commercialization gains. Each government must incentivize private sector participation through technology transfers, innovation incubation, venture capital, and R&D collaborations to quicken the pace of commercialization.

Third, vulnerabilities in supply chains, particularly in critical minerals, semiconductors, and submarine cable networks, constitute a strategic challenge. Deepening industrial ties through joint investments, supply chain diversification, and reciprocal sourcing will enhance supply chain resilience.

Fourth, both countries face a cybersecurity talent deficit that undermines their digital security posture. Cyber skills development forums, academic exchanges, specialized training programs, and enhanced university-industry connections will help build critical capacity and bolster cybersecurity capabilities.

Lastly, it is essential to maintain political will and institutional momentum to realize the proposed initiatives. Publishing regular progress reports and holding annual implementation reviews will sustain accountability, transparency, and stakeholder confidence in the partnership.

Emerging Issues

As PACTS moves from the theoretical stage to practice, there are risks and challenges that may arise and affect the sustainability of this endeavour in the long run.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) raises concerns over AI-enabled cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, autonomous defense systems, and cyber-espionage, all of which will require stronger governance, risk assessments, and standardization models for emerging technologies.

Another threat to PACTS’s cohesion is the potential for the decoupling and de-globalization of key technologies, such as semiconductors and sophisticated communications equipment, which would jeopardize access to, or attach significant geopolitical risks to, key technologies and supplies. Strategic resources, semiconductors and subsea infrastructure may also be vulnerable to climate change and geopolitical headwinds.

Moreover, the developing technology threat landscape (for example, with quantum computing) and additional cooperation on trusted technology standards and solutions for cyber security to protect against exascale-level cyber risks and critical infrastructure disruption.

As such, PACTS needs to focus on technology risk assessment, early warning systems, trusted technology standards, and regional cooperation if it is to effectively address the security implications of emerging technology and ensure the Indo-Pacific region maintains its competitive edge in frontier technologies.

Way forward

The PACTS’ longevity will depend on walking the talk, with both governments needing to establish a detailed implementation plan with timelines for achieving strategic outcomes, institutional ownership, and performance indicators. In addition, frequent reviews and public reporting on progress will be critical to maintaining accountability, adaptability, and resilience in the face of emerging strategic risks and technological change.

There also needs to be increased emphasis on commercialisation of research outcomes and greater university-industry engagement through researcher mobility, technology incubation eco-systems, venture funding, and industrial alliances to catalyse innovation and build technological ecosystems with enduring competitive advantages.

Finally, PACTS must be dovetailed into broader strategic frameworks, including the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), Quad, ECTA, and CECA, and build greater policy coherence across these evolving bilateral and multilateral strategic compact. Convergent policy approaches will be critical to building deeper partnerships in critical minerals, connectivity, clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and maritime security. By harnessing political will, institutional coordination, and innovation, PACTS can evolve as a strategic pillar of India-Australia strategic partnership and a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific.

Selected References and Important Links

Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2026). India Partnership: Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology. Retrieved from https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/themes/cyber-affairs-and-critical-technology/india-partnership

Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2026, July). India and Australia launch new Cyber and Critical Technologies Partnership. Retrieved from https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2282692&reg=3&lang=1

DD India. (2026, July). India–Australia launch new Cyber and Critical Technologies Partnership to boost supply chain resilience. Retrieved from https://ddindia.co.in/2026/07/india-australia-launch-new-cyber-and-critical-technologies-partnership-to-boost-supply-chain-resilience/

The Tribune. (2026, July). India, Australia launch pacts to strengthen cyber, critical technologies and resilient supply chains. Retrieved from https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/india-australia-launch-pacts-to-strengthen-cyber-critical-technologies-and-resilient-supply-chains/

The Economic Times. (2026, July). India, Australia unveil pacts and framework for cyber, critical technology and resilient supply chains. Retrieved from https://supplychain.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/leadership-and-strategy/india-australia-unveil-pacts-framework-for-cyber-critical-technology-and-resilient-supply-chains/132280214

ThePrint. (2026, July). India, Australia announce pacts for a deeper cyber, critical technology and supply chain partnership. Retrieved from https://theprint.in/diplomacy/india-australia-announce-pacts-for-a-deeper-cyber-critical-tech-and-supply-chain-partnership/2981757/

Red Piranha. (2020). Red Piranha becomes ACSC Network Partner. Retrieved from https://redpiranha.net/news/red-piranha-acsc-network-partner-2020

Singh Publication. (n.d.). Research article on cybersecurity and critical technologies. South Asian Journal of Advanced Research. Retrieved fromhttps://ssjar.singhpublication.com/index.php/ojs/article/download/331/685?inline=1

About the Contributor:

Kavin Adithya C.B. is a Research and Editorial Intern at IMPRI (Impact and Policy Research Institute). He is currently pursuing an M.A. in International Relations at Loyola College, Chennai. His academic and research interests include International Relations, International Political Economy, Defence and Security Studies, Public Policy, Geopolitics, and Human Rights. He is passionate about analysing contemporary global affairs and strengthening his research and policy analysis skills through academic writing and public policy engagement.

Acknowledgement:

The author sincerely expresses gratitude to the reviewers and the editorial team for their valuable comments, constructive suggestions, and continuous guidance throughout the preparation of this article. Their insightful feedback significantly enhanced the clarity, organisation, and analytical quality of the manuscript. The author also acknowledges the support and encouragement received during the research and writing process, which contributed to the successful completion of this work.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.

Reviewers: Ayana and Sruti Halder. I sincerely thank the reviewers for their valuable time, careful evaluation, and constructive comments. Their insightful suggestions have helped improve the quality, clarity, and overall presentation of this article. I greatly appreciate their thoughtful feedback and the opportunity to revise the manuscript accordingly.