India Joins Pax Silica as Sundar Pichai Champions Secure AI Future at Impact Summit 2026

New Delhi witnessed a defining moment in global technology diplomacy on Friday as India formally joined the United States led Pax Silica alliance during Day 5 of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The announcement, made at Bharat Mandapam, underscored India’s rising influence in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, semiconductor supply chains, and critical mineral partnerships.

The six day summit, recognized as the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South, has brought together heads of state, technology executives, innovators, startups, and policymakers. Day 5 focused squarely on global governance and multilateral cooperation, highlighted by the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Council Meeting, where member nations reviewed progress on responsible and inclusive AI development. A Leaders’ Declaration is scheduled for adoption on Friday, affirming a shared roadmap for global AI governance and collaboration.

India’s entry into Pax Silica marks a strategic shift in the global technology order. The US led alliance, launched in December 2025, aims to secure the global AI and semiconductor supply chain while reducing dependence on non aligned nations.

The signing ceremony was attended by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US envoy to India Sergio Gor. Gor described Pax Silica as a coalition of capabilities, designed to align trusted nations around economic security and technological resilience.

The initiative spans the entire technology supply chain, from energy and critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt to high tech manufacturing and advanced AI models. Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, noted that while oil and steel powered the twentieth century, computers power the twenty first. The minerals that enable chips and computing infrastructure are now central to economic strength.

The long term goal of Pax Silica is to unite technology leaders to unlock the economic potential of AI and build a secure global silicon ecosystem. For India, joining the alliance strengthens bilateral ties with the United States in semiconductor production, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence innovation.

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai delivered a keynote address during the session titled Pax Silica Securing the Silicon Future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between India and the United States.

“We must work together to ensure the benefits of AI are available to everyone and everywhere,” Pichai said. “The US India partnership has a critical role to play.”

He described the present moment as one of profound technological transformation, calling it an era of hyper progress and new discoveries while cautioning that positive outcomes are not guaranteed without responsible action.

Pichai highlighted Google’s cross border teams working seamlessly across India and the United States on major initiatives. Innovations that begin in India, such as Google Pay, are making products better for users worldwide, he said. Expressing strong confidence in India’s future, Pichai added, “I believe India is going to have an extraordinary trajectory with AI, and we are supporting it with a full stack commitment, including product scaling and infrastructure.”

His remarks reinforced the broader theme of the summit, which centers on responsible innovation, economic inclusion, and global cooperation.

Beyond geopolitics and governance, the summit also showcased futuristic innovation. India’s first AI powered air taxi was unveiled at Bharat Mandapam, capturing widespread attention.

Developed by The E Plane Company in collaboration with IIT Madras, the electric vertical take off and landing aircraft is designed to cut travel time in congested cities. The e VTOL aircraft does not require a runway and can take off and land vertically, making it suitable for dense urban environments.

According to summit updates, the aircraft is capable of covering 36 kilometers in eight minutes without conventional fuel, positioning it as a potential game changer for urban mobility in India.

What once seemed like science fiction is now approaching operational reality, reflecting India’s ambition to combine artificial intelligence, clean energy, and transportation innovation.

Day 5 of the summit also featured high level diplomatic engagements. India and Switzerland placed artificial intelligence, innovation led growth, and expanding trade ties at the center of bilateral discussions as Swiss President Guy Parmelin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Parmelin stressed that both nations share common values in balancing innovation with responsibility. He described AI as a rare opportunity to ensure a more equitable technological transition than past industrial revolutions, provided governments establish sound rules and safeguards early.

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a light hearted remark about Delhi’s traffic congestion while apologizing for arriving late to a session at the British High Commission, noting that AI can do many things but cannot yet fix traffic. His comment drew smiles but also underscored the real world challenges AI seeks to address.

India and the United Arab Emirates also deepened cooperation in artificial intelligence and advanced technology during the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Leaders reaffirmed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership spanning trade, energy, defense, education, and cultural ties, while reviewing progress across sectors.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praised the summit’s organization and global participation, stating that the first couple of days had gone extremely well and that minor glitches are common at large events. His remarks contrasted with criticism from within his party, highlighting the political visibility of the event.

As the India AI Impact Summit 2026 approaches its conclusion, the convergence of global governance discussions, strategic alliances like Pax Silica, and breakthrough innovations such as the e VTOL air taxi reflects a broader transformation.

India’s formal alignment with Pax Silica signals its intention to play a central role in shaping secure and resilient AI ecosystems. With endorsements from global technology leaders like Sundar Pichai and active engagement from world governments, the summit has positioned India at the heart of conversations that will define the next era of economic growth and technological power.

The adoption of the Leaders’ Declaration is expected to further cement commitments to responsible, inclusive, and secure artificial intelligence development, marking a pivotal chapter in the global AI story.