What is Pax Silica?
- Pax Silica is a proposed alliance of technology-driven democracies.
- It aims to build secure and resilient semiconductor supply chains.
- The term was highlighted during the AI Impact Summit, New Delhi.
- The alliance seeks to reduce dependence on coercive technological powers.
- It focuses on trusted semiconductor manufacturing and supply networks.
Why Has India Not Been a Founding Member?
- The United States initially restricted semiconductor technology exports to China.
- Early frameworks largely included advanced economies and close US partners.
- India lacked domestic semiconductor manufacturing and fabrication capabilities.
- It depended heavily on imports for chips and electronic components.
- Limited industrial depth reduced India’s initial integration into chip alliances.
Why Does Pax Silica Matter for India?
- Semiconductors form the backbone of modern digital and AI systems.
- India aims to become a global hub for electronics manufacturing.
- Strategic chip alliances enhance technological sovereignty and security resilience.
- Participation reduces vulnerability to geopolitical supply chain disruptions.
- It strengthens India’s ambition in AI, defence, and advanced computing sectors.
Global Geopolitics and Technology Rivalry
- Semiconductor supply chains are central to US-China technological competition.
- Advanced chips are critical for AI, defence, and quantum computing.
- Western democracies seek to limit access to sensitive technologies.
- Pax Silica reflects broader efforts to secure critical technological infrastructure.
- Trusted partnerships are increasingly replacing purely market-based supply chains.
India’s Strategic Opportunities
- India is investing heavily in semiconductor fabrication and design ecosystems.
- Domestic policies aim to attract global chip manufacturers and investors.
- Collaboration can enhance technology transfer and manufacturing expertise.
- India’s demographic and digital market scale strengthens its bargaining position.
- Pax Silica participation aligns with India’s broader tech diplomacy strategy.
Conclusion
- Pax Silica represents the emerging geopolitics of critical technologies. For India, semiconductors are not merely economic assets but strategic instruments. Integration into trusted chip alliances can accelerate India’s AI ambitions.