Washington, Jan 30 (NationPress) The United States is establishing India as a pivotal partner in a forthcoming economic security framework aimed at safeguarding global supply chains for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, according to Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, who made the announcement on Friday.

During his address at the Hudson Institute, Helberg stated that Washington is set to broaden its Pax Silica initiative. This initiative serves as an economic security coalition targeting semiconductors, critical minerals, logistics, and AI infrastructure.

He expressed that the US “anticipates welcoming India next month” into this partnership, emphasizing New Delhi’s increasing significance in technology and supply chain dialogues.

Helberg noted that the global technology landscape has experienced significant changes over the last decade, stating that long-standing beliefs in Washington have shifted.

“The hardware that comprises our modern existence, the silicon powering everything from smartphones to our most advanced kinetic weapons, has become the primary arena for strategic competition,” he said, adding that supply chains are no longer merely commercial systems but instruments of geopolitical influence.

Helberg indicated that the AI competition is viewed by the Trump administration as a battle on three fronts: innovation, market diffusion, and supply chain security. He cautioned that shortages in chips, minerals, or infrastructure could hinder technological progress.

“Success in the AI race necessitates victories on all three fronts,” he remarked.

Helberg highlighted a resurgence in the U.S. economy, citing a growth rate of 5.4 percent and noting that the world’s top ten companies by market capitalization are American, predominantly in technology.

This economic performance, he attributed to President Donald Trump’s economic policies, affirming the administration's commitment to ensuring that American-led systems become the global standard in emerging technologies.

According to Helberg, Pax Silica aims to transform this ambition into coordinated action with trustworthy partners, representing a coalition of technologically advanced economies that together dominate global semiconductor manufacturing.

With India’s anticipated involvement, Helberg mentioned recent partnerships with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, along with ongoing discussions with nations across Europe, Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.

This initiative will focus on three main efforts: membership, policy, and projects. Regarding policy, Helberg noted that partners are collaborating on shared definitions of sensitive technologies and critical infrastructure, along with discussions on anti-dumping practices.

On the projects front, the emphasis will be on enhancing industrial capacity and logistics, with pilot initiatives being introduced on a bilateral or “plurilateral” basis rather than through a single multilateral framework.

Helberg stated that the private sector will remain “our greatest asset,” urging governments to eliminate regulatory obstacles, safeguard intellectual property, and foster incentives rather than manage projects directly.

He stressed that ensuring secure supply chains will necessitate more than just policy coordination; it will also require product-driven solutions, including intelligent logistics systems capable of anticipating disruptions.

Regarding China, Helberg clarified that Pax Silica is “not a China strategy” but rather “an American strategy.” He emphasized the focus on guaranteeing reliable and competitive access to minerals, manufacturing, and logistics.

He concluded by stating that the US will adopt a “trust but verify” approach with its partners, avoiding strict “purity tests” that could undermine cooperation.