‘India A Critical Anchor’: US War Secy Lauds Delhi's Powerful Military, Urges Self-Interest Approach

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Saturday described India as a “critical anchor” for regional stability and praised its military modernisation efforts, saying a stronger India helps maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

While speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said that India was playing an increasingly important role in regional security by strengthening its military capabilities and expanding its defence-industrial base.

“In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line,” Hegseth said. “A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region.”

The US defence chief further said that India was modernising its military to shoulder

a greater share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. He also highlighted India’s growing capabilities, New Delhi was strengthening its military capabilities and expanding its industrial and logistics infrastructure to support high-end military operations.

“India is powerful and modernising its military. It is building a heavy industrial and logistics capacity to sustain high-end military operations,” the Trump aide said as quoted by news agency PTI.

“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.

Hegseth pointed to expanding defence cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, including efforts to pursue co-production initiatives for advanced military systems such as Javelin anti-tank guided munitions.

“We’ve also committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities,” he said, describing such initiatives as important steps toward improving the readiness of both countries’ armed forces.

Hegseth also assessed defence-related relations with Japan, South Korea, ASEAN and Australia.

Addressing delegates from across the region, Hegseth said the Indo-Pacific remained the world’s most consequential strategic region and urged US allies and partners to invest more heavily in their own defence capabilities.

He also reiterated Washington’s commitment to maintaining regional security, saying no country should be allowed to establish dominance that threatens the security of other nations.

Referring to growing concerns over China’s military expansion, Hegseth said there was “rightful alarm” over Beijing’s military build-up and activities in the region.

“A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power,” he said, adding that no country should be allowed to threaten the security and prosperity of other nations.

The Shangri-La Dialogue, one of Asia’s leading security forums, has brought together senior defence officials, military leaders and policymakers from 44 countries this year to discuss regional and global security challenges.

(With inputs from agencies)