U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has described India as a key pillar of regional stability, highlighting its military modernisation efforts and growing strategic partnership with the United States in maintaining a balance of power across the Indo-Pacific. Speaking on the second day of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Mr. Hegseth praised India’s expanding role in the Indian Ocean region and its efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. He also lauded India’s defence manufacturing sector, noting its growing capacity to support advanced military operations. 

 

He said, India is developing the industrial and logistics infrastructure needed to sustain high-end military capabilities, including the ability to repair and maintain shared defence platforms and support US Navy vessels operating in the region. Highlighting deepening defence ties between Washington and New Delhi, Mr. Hegseth said the two countries are pursuing joint production initiatives to enhance military readiness.