Desk Correspondent , New Delhi - Making a move towards a major global technology collaboration, India formally joins the US-led 'Pax Silica' by signing the 'Pax Silica Declaration' on February 20, 2026. By joining the strategic alliance, India aims to build a reliable supply chain for critical minerals and artificial intelligence.  

The declaration was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing India AI Summit 2026, in New Delhi, marking it a historical milestone for India. As a result, India now enters into a framework designed to create a secure and innovation-driven ecosystem that includes infrastructure for AI, semiconductors, and raw resources. The program aims to strengthen technical collaboration and guarantee reliable access to resources that are essential for companies of the future.

Launched in December 2025 by the U.S. State Department, the Pact combines the Latin word "Pax" (for peace) and "Silica" (referring to silicon, the foundation of chip technology) to create a trusted, secure, and innovation-driven tech ecosystem that spans from critical minerals to cutting-edge AI infrastructure. In the face of growing tensions with China over control of rare earths and semiconductor production, Pax Silica, which was first joined by nations like Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Singapore, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, seeks to counteract over-reliance on single sources and lower geopolitical risk.

At the signing ceremony, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the importance of the collaboration. “It’s a profound honour to be here in Delhi at the India AI Impact Forum to mark a historic milestone in the partnership between the United States and India. Today we signed the Pax Silica Declaration, a document that’s not merely an agreement on paper but a roadmap for a shared future,” Helberg said.
Vaishnaw emphasised India's quickly expanding aspirations in the semiconductor industry, pointing out that Indian engineers are already creating 2-nanometer chips and that a strong domestic ecosystem, including new fabrication facilities, is developing. He went on to say that Pax Silica would draw in investment, generate jobs, and strengthen India's place in global value chains.

While clear reports are not yet disclosed, the declaration points toward a vision for closer economic and technological coordination across the supply chain—from extension of critical minerals to advanced chipmaking and AI development. This partnership offers New Delhi more than just diplomatic recognition. Joining Pax Silica gives India's National Critical Mineral Mission and India Semiconductor Mission access to technology sharing, reliable partners, and expedited infrastructure development as they work to increase self-reliance. According to analysts, it also provides India a voice in establishing global supply chain and artificial intelligence standards, assisting in balancing geopolitical pressures and securing vital resources.

India's involvement follows previous tensions between Washington and New Delhi as they attempt to advance a proposed trade agreement and strengthen strategic economic ties.