Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government have reached an agreement to restart oil exports to Turkey's Ceyhan energy hub. Oil flow is expected to begin on Wednesday. A joint committee will be formed to oversee the process. Revenue will be returned to the federal treasury
A simple moment on a flight has caught people’s attention after a father chose to speak to fellow passengers before takeoff. His polite approach and honesty about travelling with a toddler have led to mixed reactions online. The short clip shows how he tried to make others feel comfortable during
Finland President Stubb, Canada PM Mark Carney's morning run turns into discourse on Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar. WatchFinnish President Alexander Stubb and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney unexpectedly brought spy thriller Dhurandhar into global political conversation. Mar 18, 2026
Nora Fatehi song Sarke Chunar 'violation of human rights', says Human Rights Commission; wants action against censorsThe National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has waded into the row over the song Sarke Chunar, calling its ‘offensive’ lyrics a violation of human rights. Mar 18, 2026
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari are set to contest against each other again in the 2026 state Assembly elections, this time from the Bhabanipur constituency. The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday announced its candidates for 291 of the state’s 294
Heart surgeon with 25 years of experience warns minutes matter during a stroke; shares warning signs to never ignoreA stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell death. Key symptoms can be remembered with BE FAST, Dr Jeremy suggests. Updated on: Mar 18
India’s aviation sector is set for a major passenger-centric overhaul, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation introducing a series of reforms aimed at making air travel more transparent, accessible, and hassle-free. At the core of the reforms is a significant change in seat allocation norms
New Renault Duster: Renault has launched the all-new Duster in India at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh. The top-end variant goes up to Rs 18.49 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. 2026 Renault Duster: Renault has launched the all-new Duster in India at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh
Is ‘Pax Silica’ invite a high-tech trapdoor or breakout moment for India?
Is ‘Pax Silica’ invite a high-tech trapdoor or breakout moment for India? Premium
About a month ago, in December, the U.S. formally launched a silicon alliance to counter China's growing dominance in 21st century's technologies. Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, Australia and Israel were part of the alliance. India was conspicuously absent in a grouping of nations that were setting the terms on next generation of technologies will emerge.
Called Pax Silica, the U.S.-led strategic initiative was designed to secure the entire “silicon ecosystem”, from rare earth minerals mined out of the ground to the advanced semiconductor fabrication and AI infrastructure that will define the next century.
But, in a move that feels as much like a strategic manoeuver as a diplomatic olive branch, U.S. Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor announced this week that America plans to invite India to join the “Pax Silica” alliance as a full member in February.
While the invitation suggests a warming of ties, for New Delhi, this invitation is not just about joining a club but an invitation to pick a side in a digital cold war at a time when its own technological foundations are still being laid.
And India, which currently refines less than 2% of the critical minerals it consumes and is still in the early stages of building its first world-class chip “fabs,” is viewed more as a “potential partner” than a core architect of the future.
The country's technological lag coupled with a potential invitation to join the silicon group seems like a “Good Cop vs Bad Cop” drama that will leave Indian policymakers confused. That's because, America's Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently used a high-profile podcast to publicly chide India, suggesting the New Delhi was “late to the train” on trade deals and essentially blaming Indian government for the lack of progress on tariffs.
This “Bad Cop” move from the U.S. trade leadership suggests that any inclusion in a tech alliance like Pax Silica comes with a steep price tag in the form of trade concessions that India has historically resisted.
The result of this missed connection has been devastating as Indian goods now face 50% tariffs, the highest in Asia, with the threat of 500% punitive tariffs looming if India continues its reliance on Russian energy.
The decline in purchasing oil from Russia and the pivot by Reliance Industries toward U.S.-controlled Venezuelan oil is a clear sign that the economic “stick” is working, making the Pax Silica invitation look like the high-tech “carrot” intended to secure India's total alignment.
The true quandary for India, however, lies in its delicate and ongoing deliberations regarding China. After a five-year-long freeze on Chinese firms following the 2020 Galwan clash, the Indian government is currently weighing a proposal to remove the ban on Chinese companies bidding for massive government contracts, estimated to be worth over $700 billion.
Though the proposal to remove the ban is not yet finalised, joining Pax Silica would effectively require India to commit to a “Silicon Curtain,” aligning its tech standards and supply chains exclusively with a U.S.-led bloc that seeks to “de-risk” from China. And a decision to join the bloc after the table is set effectively diminishes a new member's leverage, creating a strategic nightmare for New Delhi.
If India joins Pax Silica, it may secure the long-term technology transfers it needs to fix its AI lag, but it risks alienating the very Chinese supply chains it is currently considering letting back in to solve its immediate industrial bottlenecks.
New Delhi is being asked to commit to a future on Washington's terms, even as it struggles with the practical, messy reality of its current technological dependence on its northern neighbour. For a nation that prides itself on “strategic autonomy,” the price of admission to Pax Silica may be the very flexibility it needs to survive.
Published - January 16, 2026 07:00 am IST
technology (general)
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Chacha Bhatija’ Duo Back On Stage Together As Ajit Pawar Announces Alliance With Uncle Sharad For Local Polls The Ultimate Sports Super-YA Month-By-Month Blockbuster Calendar India set to formally get hosting rights at Commonwealth Sport’s General Assembly Three US States formally recognise 26 January as India's Republic Day Horner formally leaves Red Bull with £52m pay-off Deepinder Goyal formally resigns as MD Auburn formally retires Cam Newton's No Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Kumar Borah Formally Joins BJP In Guwahati Ahead Of Polls East Timor formally joins ASEAN as 11th member in group’s first expansion since the 1990s Services PMI at 11-month low in December on lower new orders and output
Buying a home in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru has become a financial stretch for most middle-class families. New Delhi: Something interesting is happening in India's property market. The big metros that once dominated every housing headline are no longer the only game in town
1 hours ago
Ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League, Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued a fresh set of guidelines for all ten franchises. Along with these instructions, the board has also delivered a strict warning regarding compliance
1 hours ago
Audi SQ8: Audi launched the new SQ8 in India at Rs 1,77,72,000 (ex-showroom). Colour options include Mythos Black, Daytona Grey, Glacier White, Ascari Blue, Chilli Red, Sakhir Gold, Satellite Silver and Waitomo Blue. Audi SQ8 Launched In India: Audi launched the new SQ8 in India at Rs 1,77,72
1 hours ago
The PFRDA introduced the NPS to help individuals build a retirement corpus. Launched for government employees in 2004 and all citizens in 2009, NPS offers tax-efficient returns. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) introduced the National Pension System (NPS) as a long-term
1 hours ago
President Donald Trump has said the US does not need the help of other countries in its war against Iran - just days after calling on US allies to help secure the vital Strait of Hormuz. In a scathing post on his Truth Social platform, he said "most" of America's Nato allies had informed the US
1 hours ago
Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s daughter Sara Ali Khan made her big Bollywood debut in 2018 with the film Kedarnath. She was seen alongside Sushant Singh Rajput in the Abhishek Kapoor directorial. Ever since she shot her successful film in the serene and picturesque locations of Kedarnath
1 hours ago
At least six people died, and several others are injured after a massive fire broke out in a building in the Palam area of the national capital. Soon after receiving the information, around 30 fire brigades arrived at the spot and are currently engaged in dousing the blaze and rescue operations
1 hours ago
In the viral video, the woman appears calmly seated in front of her screen, actively participating in what looks like a routine virtual meeting, but with a neem face mask on. The incident quickly gained traction online, with users sharing the clip alongside witty captions and reactions
1 hours ago
Allocations to rural development projects increased under the Narendra Modi government when compared with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said while replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the working of his Ministry on
1 hours ago
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular regarding the second Class 10 exam scheduled for May 2026, providing students an opportunity to improve their performance in up to three subjects. The circular details the processes and timelines for submitting the List of
1 hours ago
Iran war impact to show on India GDP, inflation in risk to ‘Goldilocks’ economyIndia has projected GDP growth rate of 7.2% in FY27 with inflation rate below RBI's target of 4%, but the Iran war now threatens to upend that fiscal math. Updated on: Mar 18
1 hours ago
Gavaskar’s comments on Abrar Ahmed spark backlash as Azeem Rafiq hits back, calling them “vile” in a growing cricket controversy. The signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed by SunRisers Leeds in The Hundred 2026 has triggered a major controversy
1 hours ago
India’s second LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrived safely at Vadinar port in Gujarat on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of gas after navigating the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict, an official said. The first ship, 'Shivalik'
1 hours ago
Silver Bandits 2 emerge victorious in Delhi Golf Club Golden Members League 2026, win thrilling playoff in final round Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 10:48 AM IST Written by Kartikay Dutta Share via Copy link Champions Silver Bandits 2 pose with the Winner’s Trophy (DGC) Silver Bandits 2 overcame
1 hours ago
Australian players cleared for PSL but warned against Peshawar after Kabul strikes. Will matches be moved? Full details here. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 is set to begin on March 26, but rising geopolitical tensions have cast a serious shadow over the tournament
1 hours ago
14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will represent Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. He made his IPL debut last year (in 2025) and scored 252 runs in seven matches. Former Indian batter Abhinav Mukund, who played in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru but has now donned the hat
1 hours ago
SMS codes meaning: These letters are part of the SMS classification system used by operators. With this, users can identify the nature of the messages popping up on their screens. SMS codes meaning: Have you ever noticed short letter codes like S, G, T
1 hours ago
In India’s rapidly evolving beauty landscape, hair colouring has long been a marker of self-expression, whether to mask greys, experiment with identity, or simply keep pace with trends. But beneath the gloss of salon-fresh colour lies a growing concern that dermatologists and industry experts are
1 hours ago
Booked air tickets together? You will get seats together: Full list of new measures for passengers in IndiaThe ministry of civil aviation said in a press release that passenger facilitation remains its highest priority. Published on: Mar 18, 2026 11:03 AM IST Edited by Asmita Ravi Shankar Share via
1 hours ago
According to the viral clip, the man had been stopped by traffic authorities for riding without a helmet. Instead of accepting the fine, he reportedly used the quick-commerce app to order a helmet on the spot. Within some time, a delivery executive arrived at the location and handed over the helmet
1 hours ago
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday issued an interpretation clarifying which types of cryptocurrencies are considered securities and how a “non-security” digital asset could meet certain conditions to become an investment contract.The U.S
1 hours ago
American manufacturing faces challenges due to President Trump's tariffs. Businesses report increased costs and reduced workforces. While the administration cites potential future benefits, current evidence suggests a negative impact. Tariff uncertainty deters investment
1 hours ago
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again dismissed online rumors about his death, this time appearing in a video alongside US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Doubling down on his effort to quash viral conspiracy theories circulating on social media claiming he was killed amid
1 hours ago
SBI cards has announced revision in the benefits of CASHBACK SBI Credit Card from 1 April 2026. New Delhi: SBI Cards have announced revision in the benefits of Cashback SBI Card. With effect from 1 April 2026, following revisions will be available to your Cashback SBI Card:SBI cards has announced
1 hours ago
Ministry of Civil Aviation released guidelines to enhance passenger experience, ensure transparency and upholding the highest standards of safety across the aviation ecosystem. In a major relief for flyers in India, the government has stepped in to curb extra charges on seat selection and tighten
1 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Worried about home security? These 10 CCTV cameras with motion alerts keep you updatedModern CCTV cameras with motion sensors offer real-time alerts
1 hours ago
There was a shooting Tuesday (March 17, 2026) at a Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in a small town at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains in Georgia, and the gunman was shot and killed, police said. A Veterans Affairs employee was taken by helicopter to a hospital after the gunfire Tuesday
1 hours ago
