The Prime Minister's Office announced on 09 July 2026 the launch of the PACTS. It replaces the 2020 Framework and aims to strengthen national and regional security, diversify supply chains and promote democratic values in the Indo‑Pacific.
Key Developments
- Five pillars of cooperation – Supply‑Chain Resilience, Critical Technology, Cybersecurity, Digital Resilience and Defence Research.
- Joint mechanism for trusted vendor frameworks and under‑sea cable security under the Quad Partnership for cable connectivity.
- Collaboration on semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains, AI standards, space projects and defence research.
- Establishment of a senior‑level bilateral oversight chaired by the Australian Deputy Secretary International and Security Group and the Indian Deputy National Security Advisor.
- Creation of a cyber‑tech skill incubator and a digital public infrastructure exchange platform.
Important Facts
Each pillar will involve private firms, universities, research institutes and government agencies. The supply‑chain pillar focuses on trusted vendor frameworks, under‑sea cable resilience, semiconductor protection and critical mineral recycling. The Critical Technology pillar targets AI standards, advanced materials research and joint space initiatives. The Cybersecurity pillar seeks a consolidated bilateral mechanism, UN‑mandated cooperation, trade opportunities and a skill incubator hub. Digital resilience will promote India’s DPI principles across the Indo‑Pacific. Defence research will deepen ties between Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and India’s DRDO, focusing on maritime surveillance and advanced materials.
Exam Relevance
Understanding PACTS helps answer questions on India’s foreign policy, strategic partnerships and technology diplomacy (GS2). The emphasis on supply‑chain diversification links to economic security and the Make in India agenda (GS3). The AI and digital standards component is relevant for discussions on emerging technologies and regulatory frameworks (GS3). Defence research collaboration ties into India’s defence procurement and indigenous capability building (GS2). Finally, the role of the Quad illustrates multilateral security architecture in the Indo‑Pacific (GS2).
Way Forward
Both countries will set up inter‑ministerial working groups to translate the five pillars into project proposals. Regular senior‑official meetings will monitor progress and address emerging risks. For aspirants, tracking the implementation of PACTS will provide insight into how India leverages technology partnerships to achieve strategic autonomy and economic growth.