New Delhi: India is set to be invited to join Pax Silica, a major United States led strategic initiative focused on securing critical supply chains across silicon, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. The announcement was made on Monday by US ambassador designate to India Sergio Gor, who underlined the importance of sustained engagement between the two countries despite recent trade frictions.
Soon after assuming charge in New Delhi, Gor stressed that strong partnerships require continuous dialogue. He noted that close friends may disagree at times, but remain committed to resolving differences through engagement. Reaffirming Washington’s intent to push forward economic negotiations, he said the United States is determined to conclude a trade agreement with India, adding that the next round of trade discussions is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
The decision to invite India into Pax Silica carries significant strategic importance. The initiative is designed to build a secure and innovation driven technology ecosystem, covering critical minerals, energy inputs, semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. India’s proposed inclusion signals growing confidence in its role as a trusted partner within global high technology supply chains.
Pax Silica is structured as a cooperative framework among aligned nations seeking to reduce coercive dependencies and safeguard technologies that are foundational to future economic growth. Rather than isolating other countries, the initiative focuses on coordination among partners to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Participants include leading economies that host some of the world’s most influential companies and investors in semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
Gor’s remarks come at a sensitive moment for India US trade relations, following the US decision to raise tariffs on certain Indian goods to 50 per cent. Despite the strain, both sides have indicated a willingness to continue engagement across a broad spectrum of areas, including security, counter terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health.
Trade negotiations between the two countries remain complex, with unresolved differences over market access and tariff concessions. The United States has sought reduced duties on agricultural and industrial products, while India has maintained its position on protecting farmers and small enterprises. Even so, both governments have set an ambitious goal of expanding bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030.
India’s invitation to Pax Silica reflects its growing strategic relevance in global technology and supply chain resilience, reinforcing the long term importance of the India US partnership despite short term challenges.
