India is emerging as a powerful military force with the industrial strength and logistical capacity required to sustain advanced operations, according to U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth highlighted India’s expanding defence capabilities and its increasingly important role in maintaining stability across the Indian Ocean region.
According to Press Trust of India, Hegseth said India is continuing to modernize its military while building the infrastructure needed to support complex and demanding operations. He also noted that India is contributing to the regional balance of power at a time of growing strategic competition across the Asia Pacific.
The Trump administration official said the United States is pursuing further defence cooperation with India, including plans related to the joint production of military capabilities. The remarks reflect Washington’s interest in strengthening partnerships with countries that are investing in their own security and expanding their domestic manufacturing capacity.
Hegseth also addressed broader security concerns involving China, stating that the United States does not want any single country to dominate the region. While he said relations between Washington and Beijing have improved under U.S. President Donald Trump, he maintained that the balance of power must be protected.
The Asia Pacific region remains one of the most important areas in the world for defence planning, trade routes and geopolitical stability. India’s location, growing economy and expanding naval capabilities give the country a major role in the Indian Ocean and the wider regional security landscape.
The Shangri La Dialogue brings together senior officials, defence leaders and diplomats from dozens of countries. This year’s discussions are taking place as governments respond to conflicts in West Asia and Europe while also assessing long term security priorities across the Asia Pacific.
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