US Clarifies India’s Non-Participation in Pax Silica Amid Trade and Supply Chain Security Discussions
The United States has clarified that India’s absence from the newly launched Pax Silica technology initiative is not due to any political or trade tensions. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg emphasized that India remains a vital partner in efforts to enhance supply chain security. He stated that discussions regarding trade and supply chain security are being handled separately, and he expressed optimism about deepening collaboration between the two nations.
Clarification on India’s Role
During a briefing at the Foreign Press Centre, Helberg addressed speculation surrounding India’s exclusion from the Pax Silica Summit. He reassured that the U.S. views India as a “highly strategic potential partner” in supply chain security initiatives. Helberg noted that the conversations regarding trade arrangements and supply chain security are distinct and parallel processes. He emphasized that the U.S. is eager to engage with India in these discussions, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the two countries.
Helberg also mentioned that he maintains “nearly daily communication” with officials in New Delhi, indicating a commitment to exploring ways to enhance collaboration swiftly. He is set to attend the India AI Impact Summit in February, which he believes will provide a platform to establish “tangible milestones” for cooperation between the U.S. and India.
Pax Silica Initiative Overview
The Pax Silica initiative, launched last week, aims to create a secure and innovation-driven silicon supply chain that encompasses critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and logistics. The initial group of countries involved includes Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, but notably excludes India. This absence means that all Quad members, except for India, are part of the initiative.
Helberg explained that the focus of the initial grouping was on countries that play a central role in semiconductor manufacturing. He pointed out that nations such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Netherlands form the “nucleus of semiconductor manufacturing.” The U.S. opted to start with a smaller group to streamline participation before considering further expansion down the supply chain.
Future Collaboration Plans
Looking ahead, Helberg outlined that the Pax Silica initiative is part of Washington’s broader work plan for 2026, which aims to create a clear pathway for reliable countries with unique contributions to join the framework. The initiative was officially inaugurated with a declaration signed by representatives from the U.S., Japan, Israel, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea.
According to the U.S. State Department, Pax Silica seeks to reduce coercive dependencies and protect essential materials and capabilities that are foundational to artificial intelligence. The initiative also aims to enable partner countries to develop and deploy advanced technologies at scale, reflecting a strategic move towards enhancing global supply chain resilience.
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