Washington is buzzing with anticipation as India prepares to enter the PAX Silica framework, a pivotal move that could reshape global supply chains for critical minerals. A senior US official revealed that New Delhi will play a central role in America’s strategy to secure and diversify these essential resources, especially amid rising tensions in Indo-Pacific trade dynamics.
Jacob Helberg, Assistant Secretary for Economic Matters, shared these insights in an exclusive interview. He confirmed India’s imminent inclusion by the end of the month, highlighting the deep interest sparked in Indian circles. ‘We’re eagerly awaiting India’s entry into PAX Silica,’ Helberg stated, emphasizing India’s unique technical talent pool that rivals China’s human capital in both depth and breadth.
This partnership comes on the heels of a landmark ministerial meeting hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attended by leaders from 50 nations, including India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The gathering underscored a growing consensus: economic security is national security. With global supply chains vulnerable to disruptions, the US is forging alliances to build resilient networks free from single-point failures, price volatility, and sudden blockades.
Helberg pointed to India’s existing processing and refining capacities as a game-changer. ‘India already has substantial infrastructure,’ he noted, contrasting it with America’s rapid domestic buildout led by multiple agencies. Joint initiatives could leverage India’s strengths to accelerate US industrialization, benefiting ordinary Americans whose prosperity ties directly to Indo-Pacific stability.
The AI revolution is supercharging demand for minerals like cobalt, copper, and nickel, fueling everything from smartphones to data centers. PAX Silica focuses on advanced tech ecosystems like semiconductors, while the Minerals Ministerial targets upstream security. India’s entry promises momentum for bilateral projects that fortify supply chains, support clean energy transitions, and mitigate risks from concentrated global production.
As both nations deepen ties on strategic minerals, this collaboration signals a new era of mutual reinforcement. Reliable access to resources isn’t just an economic imperative—it’s vital for industrial continuity, regional security, and shared prosperity in an unpredictable world.