India joins Pax Silica: Why does India joining the AI supply chain coalition matter
Times of India
by ABHINAV KAUSTUBHFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India has formally joined the Pax Silica declaration, marking its membership in a US-led coalition aimed at securing global supply chains for critical minerals and AI infrastructure. This move is significant as it positions India as part of an initiative designed to reduce dependence on China, which currently controls over 90% of India's rare earth imports. The signing took place during the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, with Indian Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joining US Ambassador Sergio Gor and Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg for the ceremony. This alliance, now counting ten full members including Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the UK, seeks to create a trusted alternative to China's dominance in the supply chain for AI and semiconductor technologies.
Pax Silica is an economic security bloc centered around the silicon supply chain, which powers modern computing and AI. Launched in December 2023, it aims to build resilient and secure supply chains for critical resources like rare earth minerals, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure. The initiative directly addresses China's stranglehold over global rare earth production, which has caused disruptions in countries like India. For instance, during a trade dispute with China, Beijing suspended rare earth exports, forcing Indian automakers to cut production and comply with stringent Chinese licensing conditions.
India's decision to join Pax Silica is a strategic shift, particularly since it was notably excluded from the founding members just two months prior. This move signals a sharp reversal in India's diplomatic stance and aligns it more closely with US technology interests. The coalition represents an effort by the US and its partners to counter China's influence in critical minerals and AI-related industries. For India, this could accelerate its ambitions in semiconductors and AI, while reducing vulnerabilities tied to Chinese supply chains.
The signing ceremony, attended by global tech leaders like Google CEO Sundar Pichai, underscores the significance of the event in shaping India's AI diplomacy. As
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026