India, Australia and Canada are set to strengthen cooperation in technology and innovation, with the three countries signing the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), on Thursday.The agreement is set to boost collaboration in critical and emerging technologies while complementing existing bilateral initiatives between the three countries. The new tech triangle was announced as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a series of agreements to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.The three nations had agreed to enter into the trilateral technology and innovation partnership last November. The ACITI Partnership will leverage the strengths of all three countries, with a focus on green energy innovation, resilient supply chains and critical minerals.The initiative will support efforts towards achieving net zero goals and promote greater diversification of supply chains to build a secure, sustainable and resilient future. It will also explore the development and wider adoption of artificial intelligence to improve the lives of citizens.Officials from the three countries met in the first quarter of 2026 to take the partnership forward.
Uranium on tables
On the energy front, the two leaders welcomed the finalisation and signing of the Administrative Arrangement under the Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, paving the way for long-term Australian uranium exports to India for exclusively peaceful purposes under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.India and Australia have finalised the arrangements required to enable the export of Australian uranium to India, with PM Modi saying the agreement would support India’s clean energy goals and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.Speaking at a joint press meet with Albanese after the Annual Leaders’ Summit, PM Modi said that the two countries had reached an important agreement in the field of nuclear energy.“Today, we have reached an important agreement in the field of nuclear energy. This will open the path for uranium supply from Australia to India and give new strength to our clean energy objectives,” PM Modi said.The development came as both countries issued a Joint Statement on Energy Security, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation in energy trade, supply chain resilience and the transition towards cleaner energy sources.Under the Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (2015), the uranium exports will be used only for peaceful purposes and will remain subject to IAEA safeguards. Australia also reiterated its support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group.Reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two leaders said they would expand cooperation to address emerging challenges in a rapidly evolving global environment and explore new areas of collaboration for peace, prosperity and stability in the region.Securing critical minerals remains a key priority as countries look to build resilient supply chains amid growing dependence on the sector, currently dominated by China.
Trade, defence and space ties
Defence and security emerged as a key focus of the summit, with India and Australia announcing a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation to deepen their bilateral defence partnership.The nations also agreed to establish an Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, expand defence exercises, strengthen interoperability and enhance cooperation in defence research, professional military education and industry. They also adopted the India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and welcomed an MoU between Australia’s Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard to support maritime security.On the economic front, PM Modi and Albanese also welcomed growth in bilateral trade under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).The leaders highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, technology and investment, while noting the synergies between India’s “Make in India” initiative and Australia’s “Future Made in Australia” programme. They also reiterated cooperation in critical minerals to support investment, secure supply chains and develop processing capabilities.Energy security and climate cooperation were also discussed, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to reliable and sustainable energy supplies and welcoming the Joint Statement on Energy Security. In space cooperation, the leaders welcomed Australia’s support for India’s Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Programme, including a temporary space tracking terminal on Cocos Keeling Islands, and expressed hope for deeper collaboration between ISRO and the Australian Space Agency.
