About Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS):
- It is a new framework aimed at strengthening cooperation in cyber security, critical technologies, resilient supply chains and defence research.
- It replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation (2020 Framework).
- Bilateral Oversight: 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.
- Pillars of PACTS:
- Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification:
- Under this both countries will work towards secure, resilient and trustworthy supply chains.
- They will also work to develop secure and trusted technology supply chains, strengthen cooperation on undersea cable security through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience.
- India Lead: National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
- Critical Technology:
- Under this pillar, both countries will commit to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence, space technologies, telecommunications, biotechnology and advanced materials.
- India Lead: National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
- Cyber security Pillar:
- India and Australia will enhance cooperation to combat cybercrime, strengthen cyber resilience and protect critical infrastructure.
- It includes plans to establish a streamlined bilateral cyber cooperation mechanism, expand dialogue on cybersecurity and data governance and establish a cyber-technology skill incubator to promote workforce development.
- India Lead: Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs
- Digital Resilience:
- It aims to expand cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across the Indo-Pacific.
- Affordable DPI includes areas such as clean and renewable energy, resilient critical infrastructure etc.
- The initiative also seeks to support partner countries in adopting India’s Digital Public Infrastructure model through capacity-building programmes and pilot projects.
- India Lead: Oceania Division, Ministry of External Affairs
- Defence Research Collaboration:
- Under this the two countries will strengthen ties between Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- It also promotes collaboration between defence start-ups, and undertakes joint research in maritime surveillance, advanced materials and other defence technologies.
- India Lead: Ministry of Defence
