Australia and India agree new partnership on cyber and critical technology

The Morrison Government has entered into a landmark, cooperative arrangement with India on cyber affairs and critical technology.

As part of the Australia-India Leaders’ Virtual Summit held today, I was pleased to join my Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, in signing the Australia-India Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber‑Enabled Critical Technologies Cooperation.

The Arrangement will enhance our bilateral cooperation on cyber and critical technology issues, which sit at the core of our new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India. Under the Arrangement, Australia and India will work together to promote and preserve an open, free, safe and secure Internet, enhance digital trade, harness critical technology opportunities and address cyber security challenges.

Critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and robotics present significant opportunities for people, businesses and the broader economy, but also must be guided by international standards to ensure they do not present risks to security or prosperity.

That is why the Arrangement will be complemented by a new, four-year $12.7 million Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership. This Partnership will create a research and development fund for Indian and Australian businesses and researchers, and support other countries to improve their cyber resilience. Together, these measures will help shape a global technology environment that meets our shared vision of an open, free, rules-based Indo-Pacific region.