India Set to Join US-Led Pax Silica Initiative, Expanding Strategic Tech Cooperation
India is expected to attain full membership of the US-led Pax Silica initiative as early as next month, marking a new phase in India–US strategic collaboration in advanced technologies. The indication came during the US Ambassador’s recent visit to New Delhi and reflects growing convergence between the two countries on technology security, resilient supply chains, and the governance of the AI-driven global economy.
Understanding Pax Silica
United States Department of State launched Pax Silica as a multilateral platform aimed at building a secure, trusted, and resilient global technology ecosystem . Unlike narrowly focused groupings, the initiative spans the entire technology value chain —from energy security and critical minerals to semiconductor fabrication and advanced artificial intelligence systems.
The initiative seeks to ensure that emerging technologies are developed, deployed, and scaled in a manner that is economically viable, strategically secure, and aligned with democratic norms.
Core Strategic Goals
One of Pax Silica’s principal objectives is to reduce “coercive dependencies” in global supply chains. This involves limiting excessive reliance on any single country for critical technologies, raw materials, or manufacturing capacities, thereby lowering exposure to economic pressure or geopolitical leverage.
The grouping also focuses on safeguarding sensitive technologies from theft, misuse, or hostile exploitation, while enabling trusted partners to fully harness the productivity and economic gains offered by AI and next-generation digital platforms.
Existing Members and Global Reach
The inaugural Pax Silica summit brought together leading innovation-driven economies such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia . Observers and participants have also included Taiwan, the European Union, Canada , and the OECD grouping.
India’s anticipated inclusion would place it among a relatively small group of countries shaping future norms on technology governance, AI standards, and supply chain security at a global level.
Strategic Significance for India
For India, joining Pax Silica aligns closely with national priorities such as strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing , securing access to critical minerals , and positioning itself as a trusted technology partner in the global economy.
Membership would enhance India’s ability to influence emerging AI norms, diversify technology supply chains away from concentrated sources, and deepen strategic partnerships with major advanced economies—particularly at a time when technological leadership has become a key axis of geopolitical competition.
Key Exam-Focused Points
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Pax Silica is a US State Department–led initiative focused on AI and technology supply chain security.
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The grouping covers the full technology value chain, from critical minerals to advanced AI models .
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Reducing coercive dependencies is a central objective.
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India’s participation complements its goals in semiconductors and digital public infrastructure .
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The initiative reflects the growing link between technology
Month: Current Affairs - January 13, 2026
Category: Science & Technology, Supply Chains