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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5521
ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026
PAX SILICA
5521. SHRI MANISH TIWARI
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is aware that the United States has
invited India to join Pax Silica, a US-led strategic initiative aimed at
securing the global silicon and critical minerals supply chain
essential for semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced
technologies, and that India is likely to be formally included as a
member in this alliance next month;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the economic, technological
and trade implications assessed by the Government for joining Pax
Silica, particularly for the domestic semiconductor, rare earths and
technology sectors;
1(c) the steps being taken to leverage India’s rare earth reserves and
strengthening of downstream processing and value chains to benefit
from such international cooperation; and
(d) the manner in which this initiative aligns with India’s Make in
India, semiconductor mission and export diversification strategies?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) Pax Silica is a U.S.-led collaborative initiative aimed at
building trusted, resilient and innovation-driven supply chains for
silicon and critical minerals that underpin semiconductors, artificial
intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. On
20 February 2026, on the margins of the AI Impact Summit in New
Delhi, India signed the Pax Silica Declaration.
India’s participation in the initiative is consistent with its objective of
building resilient and diversified supply chains, while enhancing
domestic manufacturing, technological capability and integration
into global high-technology value chains.
2Joining the initiative is expected to facilitate investments in critical
mineral processing, support domestic value addition, reduce import
dependence in strategic sectors, and promote secure supply chains
through collaboration with trusted partners. It also complements
ongoing national programmes such as the Semicon India Programme,
Make in India, and efforts toward export diversification. It is further
expected to enable greater access to advanced technologies across
the AI and semiconductor value chain, promote joint research and
development, and strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced
manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
The Government of India has adopted a comprehensive approach
through the National Critical Mineral Mission, encompassing
exploration, mining, processing, recycling and recovery from
secondary sources, including urban mining and e-waste, as well as
engagement with partner countries and international initiatives. This
is supported by targeted incentives for domestic manufacturing,
regulatory reforms, development of downstream value chains, and
creation of strategic stockpiles to effectively leverage India’s rare
earth reserves and reduce import dependence.
3Other measures include rationalisation of customs duties to facilitate
availability of critical minerals and inputs, exemption from basic
customs duty on capital goods required for processing of critical
minerals, and the ₹7,280 crore Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of
Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) to build integrated
domestic capacity across the value chain.
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