Pax Silica Initiative

The Congress party has recently criticised the Prime Minister over India’s exclusion from the United States–led strategic initiative called Pax Silica. The party linked this exclusion to what it described as a sharp downturn in India–US relations, particularly with US President Donald Trump.

About the Pax Silica Initiative

Pax Silica is a US-led strategic initiative aimed at building a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven global silicon supply chain. The initiative covers the entire value chain, ranging from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, and logistics.

The term “Pax Silica” is derived from Latin, where pax signifies peace, stability, and long-term prosperity, while silica refers to the compound refined into silicon, a foundational element for computer chips and AI technologies.

Objectives of the Pax Silica Initiative

The initiative seeks to:

• Reduce coercive dependencies in critical technology supply chains

• Safeguard materials and capabilities essential for AI and advanced computing

• Ensure trusted and aligned nations can develop and deploy transformative technologies at scale

• Strengthen technological resilience against geopolitical and strategic risks

Countries Participating in Pax Silica

The countries that are currently part of the Pax Silica initiative include:

• Japan

• South Korea

• Singapore

• Netherlands

• United Kingdom

• Israel

• United Arab Emirates

• Australia

India is not included in the initiative.

Shared Commitments of Member Countries

Participating countries have agreed to:

• Jointly address AI supply chain opportunities and vulnerabilities, particularly in critical minerals, semiconductor design, fabrication, and packaging

• Promote strategic co-investment and joint ventures

• Protect sensitive technologies and critical infrastructure from undue foreign control

• Build trusted technology ecosystems, including:

  • ICT systems

  • Fiber-optic cables

  • Data centres

  • Foundational AI models and applications

  • Energy grids and power generation infrastructure

Strategic Significance

Pax Silica represents a broader effort by the United States and its partners to:

• Shape the future global technology order

• Secure leadership in semiconductors and artificial intelligence

• Counter risks arising from concentrated supply chains and geopolitical rivalries

Conclusion

The Pax Silica initiative highlights the growing importance of technology, semiconductors, and AI supply chains in global geopolitics. India’s absence from the grouping has triggered political debate, underlining the strategic importance of tech-based alliances in shaping future economic and security frameworks.