Syllabus: GS3/ Economy; Science & Technology
Context
- Recently, India has formally entered the US-led Pax Silica coalition, marking a significant moment in the geopolitics of semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and critical mineral supply chains.
About ‘Pax Silica’
- Pax Silica (launched in December, 2025) is a coalition comprising the United States, Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and now India.
- Key Objectives: Securing semiconductor supply chains, coordinating AI innovation standards, strengthening critical mineral processing networks, reducing dependence on non-aligned or adversarial states, and building a durable AI-driven economic order.
Do You Know?
- The term ‘Pax Silica’ derived from Latin ‘Pax’ (peace) and ‘Silica’ (a core compound in semiconductors).
- It symbolizes the pursuit of technological peace and prosperity through resilient, transparent, and cooperative supply chains.
Strategic Importance of Pax Silica for India
- Supply Chain Security: Membership diversifies India’s access to critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements from partners such as Australia, countering China’s dominance in processing and exports.
- Investment and Manufacturing Boost: India gains opportunities for billions in joint investments in semiconductor fabrication, AI infrastructure, and data centers, accelerating the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Geopolitical Alignment: Pax Silica strengthens India-US ties under the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, positioning India among trusted democracies for standard-setting in tech.
- Alliance-Based Industrial Policy: It hedges against supply disruptions and political pressures, enhancing India’s strategic autonomy in defense, energy transition, and frontier technologies.
Concerns Over India Joining Pax Silica
- Strategic Autonomy Risks: Closer alignment with US technology policy may limit India’s independent foreign policy flexibility.
- Strain on China Relations: Given China’s dominance in electronics components and critical minerals, deeper participation in a US-led tech bloc could trigger trade or supply disruptions.
- Export Control Pressures: India may face expectations to align with US semiconductor and AI export controls, potentially affecting trade with other partners.
- Critical Mineral Dependence: India still relies heavily on imported rare earths and lithium, which could constrain semiconductor ambitions.
- AI Governance Questions: Harmonizing ‘trusted AI’ standards with domestic data and regulatory frameworks could create policy tensions.
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