India and Australia have agreed for a four-year collaboration on cyber affairs and critical technology. On 4 June 2020, the deal was closed during the Australia-India Leaders’ Virtual Summit. Both Australian and India will work hand in hand to promote and preserve an open, free, safe and secure internet, enhance digital trade, harness critical technology opportunities, and address cybersecurity challenges.
Collectively, $12.7 million will be used over four years for research and development in various technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics. The fund will be aimed at supporting both Indian and Australian businesses and researchers to enhance cyber resilience.
“As a part of the Summit, 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,” said Marise Payne, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
She further said that the partnership would be essential for creating an ecosystem for innovation that meets the shared vision.
Along with cyber and critical technology, a total of seven agreements were announced. Some of the essential deals were defense and maritime security, critical minerals, education, water, and public administration and governance.
“India is committed to expanding its relationship with Australia in numerous sectors, and this collaboration is not only important for the two countries but also for the Indo-Pacific region and the world,” said Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
