India out of US-led coalition on critical minerals supply chain, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• India is not part of the new US-led strategic initiative, Pax Silica, which aims to build a secure supply chain for critical minerals, energy, manufacturing, and semiconductors.
• Pax Silica includes Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Netherlands, UK, Israel, UAE, and Australia, countries with key companies and investors in the global AI supply chain.
• The initiative aims to counter China's dominance in new-age sectors by reducing "coercive dependencies" and protecting materials crucial for artificial intelligence.

Detailed Insights:

• India has been seeking opportunities in the global supply chain realignment as US and European companies diversify away from China, especially after China's restrictions on rare earth magnets.
• Pax Silica seeks to ensure aligned nations can develop and deploy transformative technologies at scale, focusing on a "secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain".
• The US initiative aims to protect materials and capabilities foundational to artificial intelligence (AI) and reduce dependencies on specific nations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Critical Minerals: Minerals essential for various technologies and industries, facing supply risks.
• Supply Chain Realignment: Restructuring of global supply chains to reduce dependence on single sources.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The development of computer systems able to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.