India 'critical anchor' in South Asia: US defence chief

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has declared India a "critical anchor" in South Asia, emphasizing that a strong New Delhi is essential for maintaining the balance of power across the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogues in Singapore, Hegseth pointed to the deepening strategic partnership between the US and India.

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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 cited enhanced cooperation in naval matters and the co-production of crucial military hardware, such as Javelin anti-tank guided munitions, as evidence of this growing alliance. Hegseth stated that India's military modernization efforts are vital for shouldering the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean. He also noted India's development of industrial and logistical capabilities to support high-end military operations and US naval vessels operating in the theater.

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India is modernizing its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean.

Hegseth addressed concerns about regional stability, particularly referencing China's military expansion. He described China's buildup as a cause of "rightful alarm" throughout the Indo-Pacific, warning that no single state can impose its hegemony or threaten the security and prosperity of allies. This statement comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently concluded a visit to India.

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We have also committed to pursue co-production with India to advance capabilities like Javelin anti-tank guided munitions.

During the dialogue, Hegseth also touched upon Pakistan's role in mediating the Iran conflict, calling it "unexpected." He affirmed the US's "true friendship" with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. However, he reiterated the Trump administration's claim that President Trump had mediated an end to the India-Pakistan conflict, a claim India has previously rejected. Hegseth also addressed questions regarding India's Agni-6 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) test and US intelligence assessments of Pakistan's ICBM development, stating that while both nations face perceived threats, the US does not currently view either country as a direct threat.

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While mentioning China, he added that no state could impose its hegemony and “hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question.”