India Backs AI Supply Chain Security Push, Set to Join US-led Pax Silica at Global Summit

India is set to formally join Pax Silica, the US-led initiative on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 being held in New Delhi.

Pax Silica is the US Department of State's flagship effort on AI and supply chain security, aimed at advancing a new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners.

The Pax Silica Declaration underlines the importance of a reliable supply chain indispensable to mutual economic security and recognises AI as a transformative force for long-term prosperity.

According to the State Department, the signatories of the Declaration include Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, and the UK.

Non-signatory participants include Canada, the Netherlands, the European Union, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Taiwan.

Why Is Jacob Helberg Visiting India for the AI Impact Summit 2026?

The State Department announced the visit of Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg to India from February 20-21, where he will join the US delegation to the summit led by White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios.

The Under Secretary will hold bilateral meetings and deliver remarks at the conference to further US economic relationships and partnerships in emerging technologies with India and help launch the next phase of the American AI Exports Program, part of the AI Action Plan.

The partnership follows India's participation at the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier in February, represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

On the sidelines of the Ministerial, EAM Jaishankar expressed support for the Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement, a newly launched initiative succeeding the US-led Mineral Security Partnership.

He highlighted the need for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" critical mineral supply chains, noting that "excessive concentration" poses a major global risk.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement.

What Did PM Modi Say About Human-Centric AI at the AI Impact Summit 2026?

Addressing the Leaders Plenary Session, PM Modi said, "The AI Impact Summit will shape a human-centric, sensitive global ecosystem. AI must be accessible to all, with Global South priorities at the centre of governance. Ethics in AI must be unlimited; profit must align with purpose."

He outlined three key suggestions for ethical use of AI: a trusted global data framework, transparent 'glass box' safety rules, and embedding human values in AI.

"AI is a shared resource for the welfare of humanity," he said.

The summit saw participation from global leaders emphasizing international collaboration and balanced technological advancement.

What Did Global Leaders Say at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi?

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed the importance of balancing technological advancement with cultural values, posting on X, "Attended the #AIImpactSummit 2026 in New Delhi today. Focused on steering Artificial Intelligence toward a future that serves all humanity. In my address, I emphasised that technology must be a tool to elevate, not erode, our cultural values and human capabilities. The future of civilisation depends on this balance."

Secretary General of the People's Party Austria, Alexander Proll, described his experience as professionally and personally enriching.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "This is my first visit to India, and I must say it is an amazing country. I truly love the city and the warmth of the people. With a population of 1.4 billion, India is full of energy and diversity. I had the privilege of attending the AI Impact Summit with Prime Minister Modi, where we had very meaningful conversations about how AI can be used in public service for the benefit of the people.”

“I believe we are on the right path, building strong cooperation. The most important aspect is the strengthening of bilateral relations between India and Austria. India is doing an outstanding job, and the vibrancy of this country is remarkable. I have fallen in love with India and honestly do not want to leave this beautiful nation,” he added.

“On the economic front, we see the Free Trade Agreement concluded between the European Union and India as a landmark achievement. It is truly a win-win situation for both sides. About 25% of the GDP is connected with this agreement, and it reflects the close cooperation between India and the European Union. This is the right way forward, and I am confident it will bring prosperity to both partners,” Proll said.

From Switzerland, Bernard Maissen, Swiss State Secretary and Director General of the Federal Office of Communications, highlighted the geopolitical significance of the summit.

"It is a very important Summit. It is happening for the first time in the Global South. The next Summit should bridge the gap between the North and South," he told ANI.

The summit underscored India's ambition to position itself as a leading voice in responsible AI governance, fostering trust-based partnerships and bridging global divides.

Leaders collectively highlighted that cooperation, balanced innovation, and shared prosperity will determine how AI shapes the future of civilisation.

(With inputs from ANI)