by Australia, Canada, and India have taken a significant step toward shaping the future of global innovation by launching a joint initiative focused on emerging technologies, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. The announcement came during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where leaders from the three countries introduced the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership—a new trilateral framework designed to strengthen cooperation in high-impact, future-driven sectors.
This partnership reflects a broader shift happening worldwide. Nations are increasingly realizing that technological progress, clean energy development, and supply chain security cannot be achieved in isolation. By forming collaborative networks, countries are better positioned to ensure sustainable growth, share expertise, and respond to global challenges more effectively.
A Partnership Built for the Future
The new partnership is centered around three major priorities: advancing emerging technologies, accelerating clean energy innovation, and building secure supply chains for critical minerals. It also places strong emphasis on the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence.
Australia, Canada, and India each bring distinct strengths to the table.
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Australia has vast natural resources, robust research institutions, and strong capabilities in clean energy technology.
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Canada is a global leader in critical minerals, mining innovation, and AI research.
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India, with its fast-growing technology sector, digital infrastructure, and thriving start-up ecosystem, provides scale, talent, and technological momentum.
Together, these three countries can leverage their complementary advantages to accelerate innovation across key sectors.
1. Cooperation on Critical and Emerging Technologies
One of the central goals of the partnership is to expand cooperation in emerging technologies that will define the next decade. These include:
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Quantum computing
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Next-generation communications
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Advanced manufacturing
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Cybersecurity
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Clean energy technology
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Robotics and automation
By collaborating on these fields, the three nations aim to strengthen their technological resilience and ensure responsible development aligned with shared democratic values.
This cooperation also helps reduce dependence on technologies controlled by a small number of global players. Instead, it promotes open, transparent, and diversified innovation pathways.
2. Driving Clean Energy and Green Technology Innovation
Another major pillar of the partnership is clean energy. Climate change, rising energy demands, and global efforts to decarbonize economies have made clean technology innovation more important than ever.
The trilateral initiative will focus on:
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Renewable energy generation
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Low-carbon industrial solutions
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Green hydrogen
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Energy storage systems
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Electric and hybrid mobility solutions
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Sustainable mining practices
By sharing research, developing pilot projects, and encouraging private-sector collaboration, the three countries hope to speed up the transition to cleaner energy systems. This cooperation is expected to bring economic benefits too, such as new jobs, investment opportunities, and expanded markets for clean technologies.
3. Strengthening Critical Mineral Supply Chains
Critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements—are essential for technologies like electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and semiconductors. However, the global supply of these minerals is often concentrated in a few regions, creating vulnerabilities.
Australia and Canada are two of the world’s biggest producers of critical minerals, offering reliable and sustainable sources for global markets. India, with its expanding manufacturing sector, has growing demand for these minerals and an interest in securing long-term supply partnerships.
The new initiative will explore ways to:
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Map critical mineral resources
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Improve processing and refining capabilities
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Increase bilateral and trilateral trade in minerals
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Promote sustainable mining practices
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Reduce reliance on single-source supply chains
By strengthening their cooperation, the three nations aim to ensure the stability and resilience of the supply chains that power modern technology.
4. Collaboration on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, economies, and societies worldwide. Recognizing its importance and impact, the Australia–Canada–India partnership includes a dedicated focus on the responsible development and widespread adoption of AI.
Areas of cooperation may include:
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Setting shared AI standards and best practices
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Ensuring ethical and transparent AI governance
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Supporting AI research and innovation
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Encouraging AI applications in public services
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Expanding access to AI tools for businesses and start-ups
This approach reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that AI strengthens economies and improves lives while minimizing risks such as misuse, bias, and privacy violations.
Statements From National Leaders
The leadership of all three countries expressed strong support for the partnership.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the importance of working together to shape a future driven by innovation. He stated:
“Together we will find new ways to cooperate on technology and innovation in areas like clean energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence. I look forward to working with you, for the mutual benefit of our nations.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the value of democratic nations joining forces across continents. He said:
“The initiative will deepen collaboration between democratic partners across three continents and three oceans in emerging technologies, support diversification of supply chains, clean energy and mass adoption of artificial intelligence.”
The leaders agree that combining resources and talent from all three nations will create new opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.
Next Steps: Where the Partnership Goes From Here
Officials from Australia, Canada, and India will meet again in the first quarter of 2026 to turn the vision into concrete actions. During this next phase, they are expected to outline detailed work programs, timelines, and collaborative frameworks.
Possible next steps may include:
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Establishing research partnerships between universities
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Creating joint innovation funds
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Launching pilot projects in clean technology and AI
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Developing shared regulatory frameworks
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Setting up working groups focused on critical minerals
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Encouraging private-sector participation
By building structured and ongoing cooperation, the partnership aims to produce real results rather than simply outlining broad objectives.
A Strategic Step With Global Significance
The new trilateral partnership among Australia, Canada, and India is more than a political announcement—it is a strategic move that reflects the evolving nature of the global economy. Technology, energy, and resource security are now deeply interconnected. No single country can address these challenges alone.
By uniting their strengths, the three countries are positioning themselves to help shape the future of global technology and sustainable development. Their cooperation serves as a model for how democratic nations can work together to achieve growth while ensuring transparency, ethical standards, and long-term resilience.
