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 fulcrum to hold the line. A strong India acting in its own interests advances our common goal of maintaining the balance of power across the region.”

He praised India’s military modernization efforts, especially its expanding role in the Indian Ocean region.

“India is modernizing its military to take its share of the security burden, especially in the Indian Ocean,” Hegseth said.

Highlighting India’s growing defense production capacity, he noted that the country has built the industrial and logistics capacity required to sustain high-level military operations, including repair and maintenance of joint platforms and support for US Navy ships operating in the region.

Hegseth also noted the expansion of defense cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, including plans for joint production initiatives.

“We are also committed to joint production with India to develop capabilities such as Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. Real, concrete steps to improve the collective readiness of our forces,” he said.

The Pentagon chief attributed India’s growing defense industrial strength to broader efforts by the United States and its partners to increase military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

“This kind of industrial strength is not only a long-term goal, but also an urgent operational imperative,” he said.

Hegseth also outlined the Trump administration’s plans to significantly increase US defense spending and manufacturing capacity.

“America is experiencing a historic national production mobilization in our defense industrial base. We will produce the world’s best weapons at scale, speed and at a reasonable price,” he said.

Describing it as a personal commitment, Hegseth added: “This is a personal commitment to all of you and a request from our president.”

Referring to President Donald Trump, he said the administration is planning a major increase in defense investments and aims to strengthen America’s military capabilities for decades to come.

Hegseth also called on U.S. allies and partners to increase defense spending and security commitments.

“We are demanding 3.5 percent from our allies and partners, and we are going well beyond that figure. We expect every ally and partner to match that kind of commitment,” he said.

He added that nations willing to take greater responsibility for their own security will receive priority in future U.S. cooperative efforts.

“As stated in our strategy, we will prioritize working with exemplary allies, that is, the nations that are most capable, open-minded and ready to defend their national interests. For these nations, we are moving them to the front of the line,” Hegseth said.