Pete Hegseth: India Advancing Its Military Capabilities Fast

India’s growing military strength and rapid defence modernisation have gained significant attention from the United States, according to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore, Hegseth said that India is emerging as a key strategic power in the Indo-Pacific region and is steadily upgrading its armed forces. Hegseth highlighted that India is not only expanding its defence capabilities but is also developing strong industrial and logistics systems to support long-term military operations. He described India as a “vital anchor” in South Asia, playing an important role in maintaining regional stability and balance of power. According to him, a strong and independent India contributes to shared security goals in the Indo-Pacific. He further emphasized growing defence cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, stating that both countries are working on co-production initiatives to strengthen military capabilities. This reflects deeper strategic alignment between the two nations, especially in areas such as advanced defence manufacturing, technology sharing, and operational readiness. During his address, Hegseth also referred to broader geopolitical concerns in the region, particularly China’s expanding military presence. He noted that China’s continued military buildup and increased activity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond have raised concerns among the United States and its allies. According to Hegseth, the United States is seeking a “stable balance of power” in the region—one that prevents any single country from dominating or threatening the security and economic prosperity of others. He stressed that this balance must be sustainable and beneficial not only for the US but also for its allies and partners. India’s rising defence profile, combined with its strategic location and growing industrial base, positions it as an important partner in this evolving security landscape. Hegseth’s remarks underline Washington’s recognition of India’s increasing role in shaping regional security dynamics. Overall, the statement reflects strengthening US-India defence ties and a shared interest in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific amid shifting global power structures.