New Delhi: India is emerging as a major military power with rapidly advancing defence capabilities and a growing ability to sustain complex military operations, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday.
Addressing delegates at the annual security forum, Hegseth described India as a powerful nation that is actively modernising its armed forces while strengthening the industrial and logistical foundations needed to support advanced military operations. He noted that New Delhi is playing an increasingly important role in maintaining regional stability, particularly across the Indian Ocean.
The US defence chief also highlighted expanding defence cooperation between the two countries, saying Washington remains committed to pursuing co-production initiatives with India to enhance military capabilities and deepen strategic collaboration. He noted that the United States is simultaneously working to strengthen its own defence manufacturing base as part of a broader effort to reinforce military preparedness.
During his address, Hegseth outlined key elements of America’s security strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, describing the Asia-Pacific as the world’s most consequential strategic theatre. He emphasised that regional security continues to rely heavily on US military presence and urged partner nations to increase investments in their own defence capabilities.
The remarks came amid growing geopolitical competition and evolving security challenges across the region. Hegseth said relations between the United States and China have improved under the leadership of Donald Trump, but stressed that no country should be allowed to dominate the region or threaten the security of the United States and its allies.
He also reviewed Washington’s defence partnerships with countries including Japan, South Korea, Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Australia.
The comments were delivered on the second day of the Shangri-La Dialogue, one of Asia’s leading security forums, which has brought together senior government and military representatives from 44 countries to discuss regional and global security issues.
