India to Join Pax Silica? Here is What it Means for AI and Critical Minerals

The United States has said it will invite India next month to join Pax Silica, a Washington-led strategic initiative focused on securing the global silicon supply chain in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). The move signals growing cooperation between the US and its partners as technology, minerals and geopolitics become increasingly linked.

What is Pax Silica?

Pax Silica is a US-led effort to bring together trusted partner countries to strengthen global supply chains for silicon and related materials used in semiconductors and AI systems. The term combines “Pax”, meaning peace, and “Silica”, the compound refined to produce silicon, a core material in computer chips.

The group currently includes the US, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, the UAE, the UK and Australia. India is expected to be invited to become a full-time member.

Each participating country is expected to contribute its strengths, such as access to critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor expertise, AI research or large industrial ecosystems. Together, these countries host many of the world’s most influential companies involved in chips, computing, AI and minerals.

Why was Pax Silica created?

Pax Silica reflects the belief that control over technology and the materials that enable it will shape economic and strategic power in the 21st century. The initiative follows earlier US-led efforts like the Mineral Security Partnership and the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative.

These frameworks aim to reduce risks in supply chains and limit over-dependence on a single country. As global competition intensifies, especially in AI and advanced computing, supply chains for silicon and critical minerals are being treated as strategic assets rather than purely economic ones.

Why does Pax Silica matter for India?

For India, joining Pax Silica would mean having a role in shaping future global supply chains for AI and semiconductors. This fits closely with India’s own policy priorities.

India has already launched major programmes such as the India AI Mission, which aims to support AI development and innovation, and the India Semiconductor Mission, which seeks to build domestic chip manufacturing capacity.

India also plays a large role in global technology services. It hosts thousands of global capability centres and employs millions of professionals in technology and engineering roles. Large investments by multinational companies in AI and cloud infrastructure further strengthen India’s position.

Where does China fit in?

Pax Silica also reflects efforts by the US and its partners to reduce reliance on China, which dominates several critical mineral supply chains. China controls a large share of rare earth mining and refining, materials that are essential for electronics, defence, renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Recent export restrictions have highlighted these vulnerabilities. In response, India has announced support for building a domestic rare earth magnet industry to reduce external dependence.

Conclusion

Pax Silica shows how technology, minerals and geopolitics are becoming deeply connected. For India, joining the initiative could strengthen its role in global AI and semiconductor supply chains, support its domestic ambitions, and reduce strategic risks in a rapidly changing world.

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