Pax Silica: US Builds Critical Minerals Alliance with 8 Nations, India Left Out

In a major geopolitical move shaping the future of global technology supply chains, the United States has unveiled Pax Silica, a new strategic coalition focused on securing the world’s silicon, semiconductor, and AI-infrastructure ecosystem. The initiative, announced by the US State Department, brings together eight key partners—Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Israel, the UAE, and Australia—but notably excludes India. The development comes at a sensitive time, with Washington and New Delhi engaged in ongoing critical-minerals and trade negotiations.

According to the State Department, Pax Silica will cover the entire silicon value chain “from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and logistics.” Officials described the group as the core network of countries hosting the world’s most influential companies and investors driving the global AI economy. By pooling market strength, technological expertise, and strategic resources, these nations aim to build a resilient, innovation-driven ecosystem independent of vulnerable or politically risky supply sources.

The alliance’s formation underscores ongoing efforts by the US and its closest partners to reduce dependence on Chinese-dominated critical-mineral and semiconductor supply lines. The group intends to combat what Washington calls “coercive dependencies,” particularly those affecting mineral refining, chip manufacturing, and next-generation AI hardware. Pax Silica will also work to secure every tier of the technology stack—from software and foundation models to data-centre infrastructure and advanced materials—ensuring that aligned nations can develop and deploy cutting-edge technologies at scale.

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India’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, given its recent push to strengthen critical-minerals partnerships with Western nations. In 2024, New Delhi and Washington signed a landmark MoU to enhance cooperation on mineral supply chains, highlighting “complementary strengths” in building a resilient global framework. India has also been expanding its role in the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), which focuses on semiconductors, clean energy, and defence innovation. Yet the absence from this high-end AI-centric alliance suggests Washington does not yet view India as part of the elite, vertically integrated AI-manufacturing ecosystem.

Analysts say Pax Silica’s membership reflects countries already deeply embedded in advanced chip production, AI hardware supply chains, and high-precision mineral processing. While India is rapidly scaling its semiconductor ambitions, it remains an emerging player rather than an established supplier. Exclusion from Pax Silica may signal that New Delhi is still considered a strategic partner in mineral resilience—but not yet a full-spectrum participant in the global AI production pipeline.

As of now, India has not issued an official response to the development. However, diplomatic watchers believe New Delhi will closely study the implications, especially as critical-mineral agreements and semiconductor ambitions form a major pillar of India–US relations. Whether Pax Silica evolves into a broader technology alliance or remains a tightly knit AI-centric club may ultimately determine India’s future place in the global AI economic order.

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