Relevance: GS II (Global Groupings, India-US Relations) & GS III (Technology, Supply Chains) | Source: The Hindu / Indian Express

1. Context

After being initially excluded, the incoming U.S. Ambassador has announced that India will be invited to join “Pax Silica” as a full member next month.

  • Significance: This inclusion signals a diplomatic “reset,” integrating India into the inner circle of the U.S.-led technology supply chain, despite recent trade frictions (tariffs/oil).

2. What is “Pax Silica”?

  • The Name: A play on “Pax Romana” (Roman Peace). Here, “Silica” refers to Silicon (the base for semiconductor chips).
  • The Goal: It is a U.S.-led “Coalition of the Willing” to secure global supply chains for AI, Semiconductors (Chips), and Critical Minerals, reducing reliance on China.
  • Member Nations:
    • The Tech Titans: U.S. (Design), Netherlands (Machinery – ASML), Japan & S. Korea (Manufacturing).
    • The Resource & Hubs: Australia (Minerals), UAE, Israel, Singapore.
    • New Addition: India (seen as a future design & assembly powerhouse).

3. Strategic Importance (Why it Matters)

  • Friend-Shoring: The world is moving from “Just-in-Time” (efficiency) to “Just-in-Case” (security). Joining this group ensures India gets priority access to critical tech and minerals during geopolitical crises.
  • The China Factor: China dominates the processing of critical minerals (Lithium/Cobalt). Pax Silica aims to build an alternative supply chain where India can leverage its PLI Schemes to become a global node.

UPSC Value Box

Concept / Term

Relevance for Prelims & Mains

Pax SilicaAn 8+ nation alliance led by the U.S. to secure the “Silicon Supply Chain” (Chips + AI + Minerals).
“Friend-Shoring”A trade practice where supply chain networks are focused on countries regarded as political and economic allies (e.g., US shifting sourcing from China to India/Vietnam).
iCETInitiative on Critical and Emerging Technology. The bilateral India-US framework that laid the groundwork for India’s entry into larger groupings like Pax Silica.

Q. The term “Pax Silica,” recently seen in the news, is best related to which of the following?

(a) A global treaty to ban the use of silica dust in hazardous industries.

(b) A U.S.-led strategic alliance to secure supply chains for semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

(c) A new peace agreement between Israel and Arab nations mediated by the United States.

(d) An initiative by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote silicon-based solar cells.

Correct Answer: (b)

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