The United States is ramping up its campaign to erode China’s technological edge by elevating India to a central role in safeguarding critical mineral and AI supply chains. This was laid bare by State Department Under Secretary Jacob Helberg in congressional testimony, painting a picture of high-stakes economic warfare.
Fresh off India’s accession to the ‘Pax Silica’ initiative—a US-led coalition for secure semiconductors, minerals, and AI infrastructure—Helberg hailed it as a game-changer. ‘This is economic security for the AI epoch,’ he said, warning that AI infrastructure mastery will define future superpowers.
India’s edge lies in its demographic dividend and mineral prowess, positioning it as China’s chief rival. As the third-biggest refiner worldwide, it contrasts sharply with China’s 90% control, a risk the US is tackling head-on through targeted investments.
Strategies encompass brownfield refinery upgrades in allies and venture capital for extraction in India, Australia, and South Korea. The US is also wielding economic partnerships and controls to blunt China’s decoupling ambitions.
‘China’s intentions are clear,’ Helberg told the committee. Tariff debates aside, lawmakers shared alarm over Beijing’s expansion. A 55-nation mineral forum and US-India energy-trade agreements signal accelerating momentum.
With bonds growing firmer, Helberg voiced optimism about the partnership’s future, poised to redistribute power in the global tech arena.