Australia and India elevate cyber and critical technology cooperation

Australia and India are working together to shape a safer and more secure global environment, launching the second round of the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP) grants program.

The open call for applications complements discussions on cyber and critical technology with my Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, at the inaugural Australia-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

The dialogue reflected on progress towards supporting Australia and India’s shared vision of an open, inclusive and resilient rules-based Indo-Pacific region, as supported by the three grants awarded in Round 1.

This second round seeks proposals that focus on strengthening understanding of ethical frameworks, developing best practice and encouraging development of technical standards on critical technologies, including quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

Australia and India’s cooperation on cyber continues to make significant progress and builds upon the Australia-India Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber‑Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation, signed in June 2020.

Under the Arrangement, Australia and India held the first Joint Working Group on Cyber Security Cooperation on 10 June 2021 and a senior officials’ Cyber Dialogue on 6 July 2021.

Further details on the AICCTP grants program, eligibility requirements and how to apply are available on the Australia’s High Commission in India website and the GrantConnect website.