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:
- It is a multilateral initiative led by the United States to secure the supply chain of critical minerals and semiconductors.
- It aims to reduce “coercive dependencies” by creating a trusted network of partner nations.
- 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)
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