India Joins 35-Nation ‘Pax Silica’ Initiative on Trusted AI Supply Chains

India has joined 34 other countries in signing the Pax Silica Declaration at the Pax Silica Summit held in Washington, D.C., USA. 

The declaration aims to build trusted, resilient and secure supply chains for Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies by strengthening cooperation in semiconductors, computing infrastructure, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, energy and digital infrastructure. The initiative seeks to reduce vulnerabilities in global AI supply chains and promote collaboration among like-minded countries.

The declaration also promotes cooperation on AI innovation, secure digital infrastructure, responsible technology development, and economic security. India's participation is significant as it strengthens the country's role in the global AI ecosystem, complements initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and the Semicon India Programme, and enhances opportunities for technology partnerships and resilient semiconductor supply chains.

What is Pax Silica?

Pax Silica is a US-led international initiative that seeks to build secure, resilient and trusted AI supply chains among partner countries.

Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Semiconductors and chips

Computing infrastructure

Data infrastructure

Critical minerals

Advanced manufacturing

Energy infrastructure

Logistics and supply chain resilience

Objectives of the Declaration

The declaration aims to:

Build trusted AI ecosystems

Strengthen resilient semiconductor supply chains

Promote innovation and technology partnerships

Reduce supply chain disruptions

Enhance economic and national security

Encourage responsible AI development and deployment

India's Significance

India's participation is expected to:

Strengthen India's position as a global AI hub

Boost the Semicon India Programme

Promote AI innovation and research

Attract investment in semiconductor manufacturing

Support the IndiaAI Mission

Expand cooperation with advanced technology economies

IndiaAI Mission

Approved: March 2024

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Financial Outlay: ₹10,371.92 crore

Objectives:

Develop AI computing infrastructure

Support AI startups

Create indigenous AI models

Promote AI skilling and innovation

Semicon India Programme

Launched: 2021

Nodal Ministry: MeitY

Objective:

Develop India's semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.

Reduce dependence on imported chips.

Promote electronics manufacturing under Make in India.

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes)

Initiative in News → Pax Silica Declaration

Summit → Pax Silica Summit

Venue → Washington, D.C., USA

Countries Joined → 35 (including India)

Objective → Trusted AI and semiconductor supply chains

Key Focus Areas → AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, computing infrastructure

Related Indian Initiative → IndiaAI Mission

Related Programme → Semicon India Programme