India Signs On to US-Led Pax Silica Partnership for Critical Minerals and Chip Security

India has officially joined Pax Silica, a US-led coalition designed to create secure and resilient supply chains for artificial intelligence (AI) and critical minerals. The agreement marks a significant milestone in India-US strategic cooperation in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technology development. The declaration was signed in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US Ambassador Sergio Gor, highlighting growing collaboration between the two democracies to shape the future of the global technology ecosystem.

What is Pax Silica?

• Pax Silica is a US-led strategic coalition launched in December to strengthen global supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and critical minerals.
• The initiative focuses on building a secure “full silicon stack” ecosystem.
• Member nations collaborate to reduce dependency on unreliable sources and promote trusted industrial partnerships.
• The declaration emphasizes innovation-driven growth, economic security, and reliable technological cooperation among participating countries.

India’s Role in the Pax Silica Coalition

• India’s participation is considered strategic and essential for the coalition’s success.
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that India is already designing advanced two-nanometer semiconductor chips domestically.
• With a strong talent pool and access to world-class semiconductor design tools, India is positioning itself as a global technology hub.
• Around ten semiconductor plants are either operational or under development, strengthening India’s manufacturing capacity.

Importance for AI and Semiconductor Supply Chain

• The Pax Silica coalition aims to secure supply chains for AI hardware, critical minerals, and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Reliable supply chains are crucial for economic security and long-term prosperity.
• Artificial intelligence is recognized as a transformative force driving new markets, energy demand, and technological infrastructure.
• India’s entry strengthens global chip production networks and enhances supply chain resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainties.

Strategic India-US Technology Partnership

• The India-US partnership under Pax Silica reflects deeper economic and technological alignment.
• US Ambassador Sergio Gor stated that the coalition represents collaboration between two major democracies shaping the 21st-century technological order.
• The Pax Silica Summit held in Washington outlined a shared vision of cooperation in manufacturing, AI infrastructure, and next-generation technologies, strengthening long-term strategic trust between member nations.

Benefits of Pax Silica for India

• India’s membership in Pax Silica is expected to accelerate growth in electronics manufacturing and semiconductor design.
• The upcoming semiconductor fabrication facility is likely to boost domestic chip production.
• Indian youth and engineers will benefit from increased opportunities in AI, hardware manufacturing, and research.
• By joining this coalition, India enhances its global competitiveness and secures a stronger position in advanced technology supply chains.

About Pax Silica

• Launched in December 2025.
• Focuses on AI, semiconductors, and critical minerals.
• Promotes secure and resilient supply chains.
• Founding summit held in Washington.
• Member nations include Australia, Japan, Israel, Singapore, UAE, UK, and others.

Question

Q. What is the primary objective of Pax Silica?

A) Promote cryptocurrency trading

B) Build secure AI and semiconductor supply chains

C) Establish a global banking system

D) Expand agricultural exports