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India Emerges as Key Indo-Pacific Security Partner as US Defence Chief Pete Hegseth Praises Military Modernisation
Highlighting India’s growing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday described India as a “critical anchor” for maintaining regional stability and balancing power across the Indo-Pacific.
Highlighting India’s growing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday described India as a “critical anchor” for maintaining regional stability and balancing power across the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized that a stronger and more capable India aligns with the shared security interests of both New Delhi and Washington. His remarks come at a time when geopolitical competition and security concerns are reshaping the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
India Playing a Crucial Role in Regional Security
Addressing delegates during the second day of the summit, Hegseth said India has emerged as one of the most important security partners in South Asia.
“In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line. A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region,” he stated.
The US Defence Secretary noted that India’s expanding military capabilities are helping strengthen security architecture across the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific.
US Praises India’s Military Modernisation Efforts
Hegseth commended India’s ongoing military modernisation programme, saying the country is increasingly capable of contributing to regional security responsibilities.
According to him, India is investing heavily in defence infrastructure, logistics networks, and advanced military capabilities. He also highlighted India’s growing ability to support large-scale military operations and maintain sophisticated defence platforms.
The Pentagon chief further praised India’s defence manufacturing sector, noting that the country is building the industrial capacity needed to support modern military requirements and strengthen operational readiness.
Defence Cooperation Between India and the United States Expands
The US official underscored the deepening defence relationship between Washington and New Delhi, pointing to ongoing efforts to expand co-production and defence technology collaboration.
One of the key areas of cooperation includes plans to jointly produce advanced defence systems such as Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. Hegseth described these initiatives as practical steps that would improve military preparedness and interoperability between the two nations.
Analysts view growing defence collaboration between India and the United States as a significant development amid increasing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump Administration Plans Massive Defence Investment
During his address, Hegseth also outlined the United States’ plans to significantly increase defence spending and expand its defence-industrial base.
He said America is undertaking a major manufacturing mobilisation aimed at increasing weapons production, improving military readiness, and strengthening long-term defence capabilities.
Referring to President Donald Trump’s defence strategy, Hegseth stated that the administration intends to make substantial investments in military modernisation and production capacity to maintain America’s strategic advantage.
US Calls on Allies to Increase Defence Spending
The US Defence Secretary also urged allies and strategic partners to increase their defence commitments and contribute more actively to collective security efforts.
He stressed that countries willing to invest in their own defence capabilities and share security responsibilities would receive greater cooperation and support from Washington.
Hegseth added that the United States intends to prioritise partnerships with nations that demonstrate strong commitment to protecting their national interests and contributing to regional stability.
India’s Strategic Importance Continues to Grow
Hegseth’s remarks reflect India’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific and its growing role in shaping regional security dynamics. As defence cooperation between India and the United States continues to deepen, both countries are expected to play an increasingly important role in maintaining stability, security, and balance of power across one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.
With expanding military capabilities, a rapidly growing defence manufacturing sector, and stronger international partnerships, India is steadily positioning itself as a major security stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific region.
