US defence chief highlights India’s growing strategic role and expanding defence cooperation with Washington
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has described India as a “critical anchor” for maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring New Delhi’s growing strategic importance in the region amid evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth praised India’s expanding military capabilities and its increasing role in preserving the balance of power across the Indo-Pacific.
“In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line,” Hegseth said, adding that a strong and capable India contributes directly to broader regional security objectives.
The Pentagon chief noted that India’s military modernisation efforts are strengthening its ability to shoulder greater security responsibilities, particularly across the Indian Ocean region.
“A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region,” he said.
Hegseth also commended India’s growing defence-industrial capabilities, highlighting the country’s efforts to build manufacturing, logistics and maintenance infrastructure capable of supporting advanced military operations.
According to Hegseth, India is developing the industrial capacity needed not only to sustain its own military modernisation but also to support allied defence platforms and US naval operations in the region.
He pointed to India’s increasing ability to repair, maintain and service sophisticated military equipment as an important contribution to regional security architecture.
The US defence chief further highlighted the expanding defence partnership between Washington and New Delhi, noting that both countries are actively pursuing joint production initiatives and deeper military-industrial cooperation.
He described defence manufacturing as an immediate operational necessity rather than a long-term aspiration, arguing that strong industrial capacity is essential to sustaining military readiness in an increasingly competitive strategic environment.
Hegseth also outlined the Trump administration’s plans to significantly expand America’s own defence manufacturing capabilities.
He said the United States is undertaking a large-scale mobilisation of its defence industrial base aimed at increasing production speed, capacity and affordability.
“We will produce the best weaponry in the world at scale, at speed and at a reasonable price,” Hegseth said.
The US official also urged American allies and strategic partners to increase their defence spending commitments, arguing that stronger collective security requires greater burden-sharing among friendly nations.
“We demand 3.5 per cent from our allies and partners, and we are going well beyond that number. We expect every single ally and partner to match that kind of resolve,” he said.
The remarks come as India and the United States continue to deepen cooperation across defence, technology, logistics and maritime security, reflecting the growing convergence of strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
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