India-US sign Pax Silica Declaration: New Delhi’s entry ‘strategic and essential’
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
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India has joined the US-led Pax Silica strategic alliance, signing a declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation in critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI). The agreement was finalized during a ceremony attended by Indian Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. This move follows an invitation from US envoy Sergio Gor last month, as part of ongoing efforts to finalize a trade agreement and expand collaboration in emerging technologies and supply chains.
The Pax Silica Declaration focuses on building a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven ecosystem for critical minerals and AI. It seeks to reduce dependence on non-aligned nations and ensure reliable supply chains for economic security. The alliance, launched in December 2025, aims to reshape the global technological order by fostering cooperation across the entire technology value chain, from raw materials to advanced infrastructure.
Vaishnaw highlighted India's growing role in the semiconductor industry, emphasizing that the country is already home to ten established plants and will soon begin commercial production of semiconductors. He stressed the importance of skilled professionals in this sector, noting that India's engineering talent is poised to play a critical role in driving global advancements. The minister also underscored India's ambition to take on a leadership role in shaping the future economic and technological framework.
Gor praised India's decision to join Pax Silica, calling it "strategic and essential
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026