Why in News? The Congress party has criticised the government over India’s exclusion from the US-led “Pax Silica” initiative, calling it a missed strategic opportunity and linking it to a downturn in India–US relations.

WHAT IS PAX SILICA?

Pax Silica is a United States-led strategic initiative aimed at:
  • Reducing Chinese dominance in high-technology and semiconductor supply chains
  • Building a secure, trusted silicon ecosystem
  • Protecting critical inputs needed for:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Advanced computing
    • Emerging technologies
The name “Pax Silica” is seen as a counter to “Pax Sinica”, symbolising resistance to China-centric supply chains. PAX SILICA INITIATIVE explained for UPSC COUNTRIES INCLUDED The initiative currently includes nine countries:
  • United States
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
  • Israel
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Australia
India is not included, even though all other QUAD countries are part of the grouping. CONGRESS PARTY STAND Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that:
  • India’s exclusion is a missed strategic opportunity
  • It could weaken India’s role in:
    • Semiconductor supply chains
    • AI-driven industries
  • The exclusion is linked to a sharp downturn in Trump–Modi relations since May 2025
He also questioned the contrast between the Prime Minister’s positive public messaging on India–US ties and India’s absence from the initiative. US GOVERNMENT’S VIEW According to the US State Department, Pax Silica aims to:
  • Reduce coercive economic dependencies
  • Safeguard materials and capabilities critical for AI
  • Enable trusted partners to:
    • Develop
    • Scale
    • Deploy advanced technologies

WHY THIS ISSUE MATTERS TO INDIA?

  • Semiconductors and silicon are core to:
    • Digital economy
    • Defence manufacturing
    • Artificial Intelligence
  • Exclusion raises concerns about India’s:
    • Position in emerging technology alliances
    • Access to trusted high-tech supply chains.