- Hegseth described India as “powerful” and “modernising” its military.
- He said India is building industrial and logistics capacity for military operations.
- The US has committed to pursuing defense co-production with India.
- He highlighted India’s role in maintaining balance in the Indian Ocean.
- Hegseth called on Asia-Pacific nations to invest more seriously in their own defense.
Secretary of war Pete Hegseth on Saturday (30) said India is a powerful country that is continuing to modernize its military while expanding its industrial and logistics capabilities to support advanced military operations.
Hegseth made the remarks while addressing delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, one of Asia’s leading security and defense forums.
Speaking about India’s growing defense capabilities, he said, “India is powerful and modernising its military.” He also noted that the country is playing an important role in maintaining a balance of power, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
During his address, Hegseth pointed to India’s efforts to strengthen its defense infrastructure and support systems. He said India was also “building a heavy industrial and logistics capacity to sustain high-end military operations.”
The US defense chief also highlighted growing defense cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
“We've also committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities,” said Hegseth, adding that America was undergoing a national manufacturing globalisation of its defence.
Beyond India, Hegseth reviewed the United States’ defense relationships with several key regional partners, including Japan, South Korea, ASEAN member states, and Australia.
He outlined major elements of the US defense strategy in the Asia-Pacific region and emphasized the region’s importance in global affairs.
According to Hegseth, the Asia-Pacific is the most consequential region in the world. He said that the security of the region rests “disproportionately” on US military power and urged countries across the region to make stronger investments in their own defense capabilities.
Hegseth also discussed relations between the United States and China. He said ties between the two countries are better than they have been in many years under President Donald Trump.
At the same time, he stressed Washington’s position on regional security and strategic competition.
“no state, including China, can impose hegemony and hold the security of our nation and allies in question”.
Hegseth’s remarks came at a time of continuing global tensions, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, as well as increasing uncertainty about the United States’ long-term strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Shangri-La Dialogue entered its second day on Saturday. The annual security summit has brought together senior government officials, defense leaders, military representatives, and policy experts from around the world.
This year’s event is attended by top officials from 44 nations, providing a platform for discussions on regional security, defense cooperation, and strategic challenges facing the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
