A paradigm shift is on its way within the global tech arena, and the latest flashpoint within this transition is Pax Silica an initiative led by the United States. As a form of strategy to improve access and availability for critical minerals and the semiconductor supply chain for technologies, Pax Silica represents a carefully chosen set of nations with common goals on innovation, semiconductor technologies and AI-based capabilities.
It remains remarkable, however, that India is not among these foundational nations, given that it continues trade talks at a senior government level with Washington. The emerging world within which technologies increasingly define the domains of global and economic influence raises questions about the specific drivers with Pax Silica.
What is the Pax Silica Initiative?
The word “Pax Silica” blends pax, a Latin word for stability with the word silica as it relates to minerals that constitute silicon and microchips. The project connects nations that constitute and drive the global tech sector.
As per reports from the US State Department, Pax Silica aims at creating an international framework based on private investment, computing, minerals and energy security. Its intended strategy focuses on an AI-driven world with open and autonomous global supply chains.
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Why the Initiative Was Created
The main scenario under which Pax Silica arises: “The world relies on China for rare earths, and China’s mining of these materials drives significantly more than 70% of global semiconductor and AI hard drive production. The US and allies find it necessary to diversify this supply chain risk because it’s too dependent on a single source.”
The involved nations would want to diversify and challenge China’s control over 70 percent of global mining capabilities.
Who Is Part of Pax Silica?
The new grouping will comprise members from the United States and eight other partners, namely Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Korea and Israel. At the launch summit event scheduled to be held at Washington, DC, representatives from these nations will sign on to the Pax Silica Declaration.
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The larger bloc will then include UAE, Canada, Netherlands and the European Union as talks escalate on a more stable supply chain and trustworthy tech ecosystems.
Why India Is Not Included
India’s absence is quite conspicuous, given that it has itself emerged as a rising semiconductor and electronics player. Although both these nations are engaged with each other as part of some sort of trade talks, India’s absence at Pax Silica apparently implies that it’s more focused on nations who are already leaders within semiconductor production and premium computing.
Whether India will be added at some stage will be seen, but today it seems that the US is more interested in its existing tech relationships.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general analysis. It should not be treated as policy advice or official interpretation.