US Calls India Key Anchor for Indo-Pacific Stability

Speaking on the second day of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said, "In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line. A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region."

He praised India's military modernisation efforts, particularly its expanding role in the Indian Ocean region.

"India is modernising its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean," Hegseth said.

Highlighting India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities, he noted that the country is building the industrial and logistics capacity needed to sustain high-end military operations, including the repair and maintenance of shared platforms and support for US Navy vessels operating in the region.

Hegseth also pointed to expanding defence cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, including plans for joint production initiatives.

"We've 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.

The Pentagon chief linked India's growing defence-industrial strength to broader efforts by the United States and its partners to enhance military preparedness across the Indo-Pacific.

"This kind of industrial muscle isn't just a long-term goal, it's an immediate operational imperative," he said.

Hegseth further outlined the Trump administration's plans to significantly expand US defence spending and manufacturing capacity.

"America is undergoing a historic national manufacturing mobilisation of our defence industrial base. We will produce the best weaponry in the world at scale, at speed, and at a reasonable price," he said.

Calling it a personal commitment, Hegseth added, "This is my personal commitment to all of you, and it is our president's demand."

Referring to President Donald Trump, he said the administration plans a major increase in defence investment, aiming to strengthen America's military capabilities for decades to come.

Hegseth also urged US allies and partners to increase their defence spending and security commitments.

"We demand 3.5 per cent from our allies and partners, and we are going well beyond that number. We expect every single ally and partner to match that kind of resolve," he said.

He added that nations willing to take greater responsibility for their own security would receive priority in future US cooperation efforts.

"As our strategy states, we will prioritise working with model allies—those nations that are most capable, clear-eyed, and ready to defend their national interests. For those nations, we are moving them to the front of the line," Hegseth said.