India Joins Pax Silica
On February 20, 2026, India became a member of the Pax Silica group, a coalition aimed at establishing a common supply chain for electronics and critical minerals. The group includes the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union.
Key Event
- India's inclusion was marked by an agreement signed during the AI Impact Summit.
- The signing was attended by India's Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and U.S. Undersecretary of State, Jacob Helberg.
Significance of Pax Silica
The coalition seeks to strengthen supply chains, reducing dependency on China, especially concerning rare earth elements.
Statements from Officials
- Jacob Helberg:
- Emphasized reclaiming sovereignty over supply chains.
- Cited past incidents of economic threats and coercion, such as the Mumbai blackout in 2020 and recent tensions over rare earth exports.
- Expressed a stance against "weaponised dependency" and economic blackmail.
- Ashwini Vaishnaw:
- Highlighted India's large talent pool and trust-building foreign policy.
