India Joins Pax Silica Alliance with US

India formally entered the US-led Pax Silica strategic alliance after signing the Pax Silica Declaration in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. The move marks a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).

US envoy Sergio Gor described India’s entry as “strategic and essential”, asserting that the coalition will shape the 21st century economic and technological order. The alliance, launched in December 2025, seeks to secure global AI and semiconductor supply chains and reduce dependence on non-aligned nations.

Focus on AI and Semiconductor Ecosystem

The Pax Silica Declaration aims to create a secure, resilient and innovation-driven ecosystem spanning raw materials to advanced technological infrastructure. It recognises reliable supply chains as indispensable for mutual economic security.

India’s participation strengthens the coalition with its vast engineering talent and expanding semiconductor manufacturing ambitions. Ten semiconductor plants are reportedly in various stages of development in India, with the first commercial production expected soon.

Strategic and Economic Significance

Officials highlighted India’s growing capabilities in advanced chip design, including work on 2-nanometre technology. The semiconductor sector is projected to require around one million additional skilled professionals, with India expected to play a key role in meeting global demand.

The Declaration also emphasises AI as a transformative force for long-term prosperity, underlining the need for trustworthy systems to safeguard economic and security interests.

Member Nations and Global Vision

Pax Silica members include Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. A summit held in Washington in December 2025 endorsed a shared framework for deeper economic and technology cooperation.

Important Facts for Exams

• Semiconductors are essential components in electronics, AI systems and defence technologies.
• Critical minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements are vital for chip manufacturing.
• Artificial Intelligence relies on advanced computational hardware and data infrastructure.
• Supply chain resilience is a key element of economic security policy.

Implications for India’s Tech Leadership

India’s entry positions it as a central stakeholder in shaping the global AI and semiconductor value chain. By aligning with major technology-driven economies, New Delhi aims to accelerate domestic manufacturing, strengthen strategic autonomy and enhance its role in defining the emerging technological order.