Why India joining this U.S.-led tech alliance could help supply chains

India is joining the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, giving Washington its biggest win yet in the race to shape and influence who has access to advanced semiconductors and AI infrastructure supply chains. Pax Silica is the Trump administration's effort aimed at securing the global supply chain for silicon-based technologies. India joins Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, the United Kingdom, Australia, as well as Qatar and the UAE, as core members.India's participation, which will be formalized Thursday at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, brings one of the world's largest technology markets, and a member of the BRICS alliance, into Pax Silica at a moment when competition over AI hardware is intensifying across geopolitical blocs."Pax Silica is really not about China, it is about America. We want to secure our supply chains," Jacob Helberg, U.S. undersecretary of State for economic affairs, told CNBC in an interview on Wednesday. "We view India as a partner to help de-risk and diversify those supply chains," Helberg added. India's entry into Pax Silica also comes as Washington faces scrutiny over how access to advanced AI chips is granted to foreign partners. Recent reporting by The Wall Street Journal has prompted warnings from Congress of potential conflicts of interest or corruption.Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates purchased a secret 49% stake in the Trump family's World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency venture. Months after Tahnoon purchased the $500 million stake, the U.S. agreed to give the UAE access to 500,000 of America's most advanced AI chips per year.The U.S. Department of State also announced it will pilot a new "concierge service" designed to help Pax Silica signatories acquire U.S.-made AI semiconductors more efficiently.Helberg, who is championing America's efforts, said the service will leverage the department's diplomatic presence worldwide, providing consultative support to help trusted governments and industry leaders navigate procurement and delivery timelines for advanced chips."It actually helps turn our diplomats ... into business development officers for American AI, ensuring that American technology wins contracts over alternatives by making the buying process easier for our allies," Helberg told CNBC. "This is really part of our strategy to win the AI race," he added. — Emma Graham contributed to this report.Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you.Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inboxGet this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services.© 2026 Versant Media, LLC.

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