Concerns Raised Over India's Participation in PACS Silica by Congress MP
Congress MP Digvijaya Singh has voiced significant concerns regarding India's recent entry into the PACS Silica alliance, questioning the implications for data privacy and sovereignty. He highlighted the potential risks of digital colonialism and urged the government to clarify the terms of the agreement. While acknowledging possible benefits such as secure supply chains and technological investments, Singh emphasized the urgent need for discussions on the protection of citizens' data and India's long-term policy autonomy in critical sectors like AI and semiconductors. This issue resonates deeply with the privacy rights of every citizen.
| Mar 23, 2026, 14:40 IST
Congress MP Questions India's Involvement in PACS Silica
On Monday, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh raised concerns regarding the Indian government's participation in PACS Silica, emphasizing issues related to data privacy. PACS Silica is envisioned as a strategic alliance among trusted nations, committed to securing the silicon stack, which includes critical minerals, semiconductor manufacturing, advanced AI systems, and deployment infrastructure.
While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Singh expressed worries about data privacy, sovereignty, and the implications of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. He urged the government to disclose the terms and conditions of the agreement. Highlighting the significant role of the United States in PACS Silica, he questioned whether this move signifies a step towards 'digital colonialism.'
Singh stated, 'I wish to draw the House's attention to a crucial and emerging issue that profoundly impacts India's strategic autonomy, data privacy, and technological sovereignty. Recently, India joined an international technology coalition known as PACS Silica. In simple terms, this is a group of nations aimed at establishing cooperation and standards in vital sectors like semiconductors, AI, and digital infrastructure, with the U.S. playing a leading role. By signing onto PACS Silica unconditionally, is India taking a step towards digital colonialism? This is a matter that concerns every citizen and their privacy.'
He further noted that while this initiative could offer benefits such as access to secure supply chains and increased investment in advanced technologies, it also raises serious concerns that require immediate discussion. Highlighting the potential for data processing by foreign platforms, he questioned the security of citizens' data under the coalition's shared standards and systems. Additionally, he raised doubts about safeguarding India's long-term policy autonomy in the fields of AI, semiconductors, and digital sectors.