Relevance: UPSC GS-2 (International Relations) & GS-3 (Economy/S&T); Source: The Indian Express, PIB.

On February 20, 2026, India formally signed the Pax Silica declaration during the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. This U.S.-led initiative, launched in late 2025, aims to create a “trusted” global network to secure the supply chains of the future.

1. What is Pax Silica?

The term “Pax Silica” (Latin for “Silicon Peace”) marks a global shift where power is no longer just about oil (Pax Petrolia) but about Silicon—the foundation of chips and Artificial Intelligence.

• A “Trusted” Coalition: It is a strategic partnership of technologically advanced nations (e.g., USA, Japan, South Korea, UK, Israel, UAE, and now India).
• The “Full Stack” Approach: Unlike simple trade deals, it covers the entire technology cycle:
  • Minerals: Securing Lithium, Cobalt, and Rare Earth Elements.
  • Manufacturing: Designing and building semiconductor “fabs” (factories).
  • Intelligence: Developing secure AI models and data centers.

2. Why it Matters: The Strategic Need

• Reducing Coercive Dependencies: Aims to counter the dominance of single countries (like China) in manufacturing. It prevents “technological blackmail” through supply cuts.
• Compute as Power: Recognizes that “Compute” (processing power) is the new currency of national security and economic growth.

3. Benefits for India

• Fueling Domestic Missions: Direct support for the India Semiconductor Mission and IndiaAI Mission.
• Access to High-Tech: Gain access to cutting-edge technology (like 2-nanometer chips) and global investment from giants like Nvidia and Micron.
• Global Leadership: As the first developing nation in this group, India represents the Global South, ensuring tech standards are inclusive.

UPSC Value Addition Box

Key Term	Explanation
Silicon Diplomacy	Using semiconductor supply chains as a tool for international cooperation and security.
The Silicon Curtain	The emerging divide between “trusted” tech networks and those controlled by hostile actors.
FORGE Initiative	A new mineral-focused partnership (succeeding the Mineral Security Partnership) that India supports to secure raw materials.

With reference to the “Pax Silica” declaration signed in 2026, consider the following statements:

1. It is a multilateral initiative led by the United States to secure the supply chain of critical minerals and semiconductors.
2. It aims to reduce “coercive dependencies” by creating a trusted network of partner nations.
3. India was the first nation to propose the concept during the Washington Summit of 2025.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)