India and Australia have launched a new strategic partnership to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity, critical technologies and resilient supply chains. The announcement, made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia for the Third Australia-India Annual Summit, reflects the growing importance both countries are placing on trusted technology ecosystems across the Indo-Pacific.
New Strategic Framework
The new framework, called the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains, replaces the earlier 2020 arrangement on cyber and cyber-enabled critical technology cooperation. It is designed to support national security, regional stability and more resilient digital and industrial systems.
Both countries said the partnership will help expand digital choices for partner nations while improving the safety, inclusivity and resilience of technology-driven growth. The focus is not just on bilateral cooperation, but also on building stronger regional capabilities in areas that are increasingly tied to economic competitiveness and security.
Supply Chains And Critical Tech
One of the biggest pillars of the partnership is supply chain resilience. India and Australia plan to work on trusted vendor frameworks, semiconductor supply chain protection, undersea cable connectivity and critical minerals cooperation.
The two countries also want to encourage more commercial partnerships and technology trade between businesses. That matters because resilient supply chains are now viewed as a strategic asset, especially in sectors such as semiconductors, telecom and advanced manufacturing.
Cyber And Digital Resilience
The cybersecurity pillar will focus on countering cybercrime, deterring malicious activity and protecting critical infrastructure. The countries also plan to set up a more streamlined bilateral cyber cooperation mechanism and create a cyber technology skills incubator to support workforce development.
A separate digital resilience pillar will push trusted digital solutions across the Indo-Pacific. That includes collaboration on Digital Public Infrastructure and applications in clean energy, healthcare, education, connectivity and social protection.
Defence And Innovation
The partnership also includes a defence research collaboration track. India and Australia plan to deepen ties between defence science organisations and support innovation in areas such as maritime surveillance and advanced materials.
To oversee implementation, the partnership will be jointly chaired by senior officials from both governments. The governance structure is meant to identify priority areas and keep cooperation moving across cyber, technology and supply chain domains.