Pentagon chief says India’s military modernisation supports shared regional security goals….reports Asian Lite News Desk
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday described India as a key pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific, praising its military modernisation efforts and expanding defence cooperation with Washington as critical to maintaining a regional balance of power.
Speaking on the second day of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth highlighted India’s strategic importance in South Asia and its growing role in regional security.
“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,” Hegseth said.
The US Defence Secretary commended India’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
“India is modernising its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean,” he said.
Hegseth also praised India’s growing defence industrial base, saying it was enhancing its ability to support advanced military operations and contribute to regional security.
“It’s building out the heavy industrial and logistics capacity to sustain high-end military operations, including the ability to repair and maintain our shared platforms and support US Navy vessels operating forward in the theatre,” he said.
Highlighting expanding defence ties between the two countries, Hegseth said Washington and New Delhi were pursuing joint defence production initiatives aimed at boosting military readiness.
“We’ve also committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities like Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. Real, tangible steps to improve the collective readiness of our forces,” he said.
He said India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities aligned with broader efforts by the United States and its partners to strengthen military preparedness across the Indo-Pacific.
“This kind of industrial muscle isn’t just a long-term goal, it’s an immediate operational imperative,” Hegseth said.
The Pentagon chief also outlined the Trump administration’s plans to significantly expand US defence spending and manufacturing capacity.
“America is undergoing a historic national manufacturing mobilisation of our defence industrial base. We will produce the best weaponry in the world at scale, at speed, and at a reasonable price,” he said.
Calling the initiative a personal commitment, Hegseth added: “This is my personal commitment to all of you, and it is our president’s demand.”
Referring to President Donald Trump, he said the administration planned a major increase in defence investment.
“President Trump, after spending USD 1 trillion on defence last year, plans to make a generational investment of USD 1.5 trillion on defence this year, to unleash America’s arsenal of freedom and expand America’s military dominance for decades to come,” Hegseth said.
He also called on US allies and partners to increase their defence spending and security commitments.
“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.
Signalling deeper cooperation with countries willing to assume greater security responsibilities, Hegseth said Washington would prioritise partnerships with nations demonstrating strong defence capabilities and strategic commitment.
“As our strategy states, we will prioritise working with model allies. Those nations that are most capable, clear-eyed, and ready to defend their national interests. For those nations, we are moving them to the front of the line,” he said.
