India has formally joined the US-led Pax Silica strategic alliance, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and critical mineral supply chains. The Pax Silica Declaration was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jacob Helberg.
The move follows an invitation extended last month by US envoy Sergio Gor, as both nations continue negotiations toward a broader trade agreement and deeper collaboration in emerging technologies. With India’s entry, Pax Silica expands its footprint in Asia and reinforces efforts to build resilient and trusted technology supply chains among partner countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vaishnaw described India’s participation as a major milestone for the country’s electronics and semiconductor ambitions. He said the alliance would significantly benefit India’s growing chip manufacturing ecosystem. According to the minister, ten semiconductor-related plants have already been established or are in advanced stages of development across the country, with the first commercial semiconductor fabrication facility expected to begin production soon.
Vaishnaw also highlighted India’s growing design capabilities, noting that Indian engineers are working on some of the world’s most advanced 2-nanometre chip technologies domestically. He underlined the need for a large skilled workforce to support the sector’s expansion, estimating that the global semiconductor industry will require around one million additional professionals in the coming years. India, he said, is well-positioned to supply much of this talent pool.
He emphasized that the country has a clear roadmap to become a global leader in semiconductors and electronics manufacturing, supported by policy reforms, infrastructure development, and international partnerships.
Sergio Gor welcomed India’s inclusion in the alliance, calling it a strategic and essential development rather than a symbolic gesture. He said India’s strong engineering base and expanding capabilities in critical mineral processing make it a vital partner in shaping the future technology order.
Gor stressed that policies reinforcing US-India technology cooperation would drive AI innovation and adoption globally. He noted that trusted AI systems are essential for long-term economic security and that collaboration between democratic partners can ensure responsible development and deployment of emerging technologies.
Launched in December 2025, Pax Silica aims to secure global semiconductor and AI supply chains while reducing dependence on non-aligned nations. The initiative seeks to promote cooperation across the entire technology value chain, ranging from raw material sourcing and critical mineral processing to chip manufacturing, advanced infrastructure, and AI deployment.
The declaration underscores the importance of reliable supply chains for mutual economic security. It recognizes artificial intelligence as a transformative force that will shape future prosperity and emphasizes the need for trustworthy systems to protect economic and national interests. The alliance also highlights that growth opportunities will span the entire AI ecosystem, including energy, manufacturing, hardware, infrastructure, and new markets driven by technological innovation.
India’s entry adds significant weight to the coalition. With its large talent base, expanding semiconductor ecosystem, and strategic geographic position, New Delhi is expected to play a key role in shaping the alliance’s long-term economic and technological framework.
Current member nations of Pax Silica 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 on December 12 last year brought these countries together to endorse a shared vision of deeper economic and technological cooperation.
As global competition intensifies in advanced technologies, India’s participation in Pax Silica signals its intent to be at the forefront of the next phase of the global technology and semiconductor revolution.
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