Delhi: In a major foreign policy move, India officially became part of the US-led Pax Silica initiative on Friday, February 20, 2026. The decision signals a strong push by New Delhi to deepen its technology partnership with Washington and align itself with a global network focused on advanced innovation.
The development marks a fresh chapter in India-US relations, especially after recent trade tensions between the two countries. By entering Pax Silica, India has clearly shown its intention to cooperate closely on emerging technologies that are shaping the global economy.
What Is Pax Silica?
Pax Silica was launched in December 2025 at a high-level summit in Washington. The framework was designed to create a secure and innovation-driven global economic system. It focuses on protecting and strengthening the entire technology supply chain — from critical minerals used in hardware production to advanced artificial intelligence systems.
The alliance includes countries such as Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. India’s entry came after a formal diplomatic invitation from the United States, highlighting its growing importance as a technology and manufacturing powerhouse.
The core aim of Pax Silica is to build a trusted network of nations that can collaborate on high-end technologies without overdependence on unpredictable global supply chains.
Focus on Silicon, Data and Critical Minerals
Pax Silica is built on the idea that in the modern world, silicon chips and digital data are as valuable as oil and steel were in the industrial era. Advanced semiconductors, lithium, cobalt and rare earth materials are now considered essential to national power.
By joining this initiative, India gains access to a coordinated framework that ensures reliable supply of these materials. This is expected to strengthen India’s semiconductor ambitions and boost domestic manufacturing under its tech expansion plans.
Artificial Intelligence at the Core
Artificial Intelligence stands at the center of the Pax Silica vision. Member nations believe AI will transform industries, logistics systems and energy networks over the coming decades. However, the rapid expansion of AI requires massive infrastructure — including energy grids, high-performance computing systems and specialized chip fabrication plants.
Through cooperation, member countries aim to share standards, resources and knowledge to fully unlock AI’s economic potential.
Protecting Economic Sovereignty
Another key objective of Pax Silica is reducing strategic vulnerabilities. In recent years, technology supply chains have been disrupted by geopolitical tensions. The alliance seeks to prevent any single nation from dominating access to critical technologies or raw materials.
For India, joining Pax Silica strengthens its economic sovereignty while positioning it as a major player in the global digital ecosystem. The move reflects a broader shift in India’s diplomacy — one that prioritizes secure technology partnerships and long-term strategic growth.
