Lok Sabha Question No. 5521 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Pax Silica
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5521 ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026 PAX SILICA

5521.  SHRI MANISH TEWARI

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;

(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.

Joining 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.

Other 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. *****