India a ‘critical Indo-Pacific anchor, says US War Secretary, backs deeper defence cooperation

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) described India as a key pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting its growing military strength and expanding role in regional security.

‘India as regional anchor’

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said India’s military modernisation is helping maintain the balance of power in the region. “In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line,” he said.

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“A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region,” added Hegseth.

Hegseth said India is strengthening its defence capabilities and taking on a greater security role, especially in the Indian Ocean. “India is modernising its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean,” he said.

Defence capacity expands

He praised India’s growing defence-industrial and logistics capabilities. “(India is) building out the heavy industrial and logistics capacity to sustain high-end military operations, including the ability to repair and maintain our shared platforms and support US Navy vessels operating forward in the theatre,” he said as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

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Highlighting closer defence cooperation between the two countries, Hegseth said Washington and New Delhi are exploring joint production projects. “We have also committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities like Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. Real, tangible steps to improve the collective readiness of our forces,” he said.

He said India’s expanding manufacturing base is important for strengthening military readiness across the region. “This kind of industrial muscle isn’t just a long-term goal; it’s an immediate operational imperative,” he said.

Indo-Pacific defence focus

Hegseth also outlined the Trump administration’s broader defence strategy, calling the Indo-Pacific the most important region in the world and urging allies and partners to increase defence spending.

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He expressed concern over China’s growing military presence, saying there is “rightful alarm” about Beijing’s military buildup and activities in the region.

Warning on Chinese influence

“A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power,” Hegseth said, adding, “no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question.”

He also highlighted plans to expand US defence production and military investment while deepening cooperation with trusted partners in the region.

(With agency inputs)