India and Australia unveil Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) framework on July 9, 2026

Key facts

• India and Australia launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) on July 9, 2026, replacing the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber-Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation.
• The PACTS framework is built around five pillars: supply chain resilience and diversification, critical technology, cybersecurity, digital resilience, and defence research collaboration.
• The supply chain pillar focuses on collaboration regarding trusted vendor frameworks, semiconductor research, critical minerals, secure undersea cable connectivity, and technology trade.
• The critical technology pillar includes cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), space technologies, telecommunications, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
• The cybersecurity pillar focuses on strengthening cooperation against cybercrime, enhancing dialogue on cyber governance, increasing investment opportunities for cybersecurity businesses, and establishing a cyber technology skills incubator.
• The digital resilience pillar aims to expand Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) solutions across the Indo-Pacific.
• The defence research pillar involves collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group, focusing on maritime technologies, advanced materials, and innovation.
• The framework will be jointly overseen by senior officials from India's National Security Council Secretariat and Australia's Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.