US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) described India as a key pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific, praising its military modernisation drive and growing defence-industrial capabilities as Washington seeks to strengthen partnerships across the region. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said India plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power in Asia and is increasingly taking on a larger security role, particularly in the Indian Ocean. "In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line," Hegseth said during his address.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-capable-of-restarting-war-with-iran-hegseth-amid-reports-of-depleted-missile-stockpiles-shangri-la-dialogue-security-summit-singapore-1780106328135">US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles</a><h2>How India helps maintain a balance of power</h2>"A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region," said Hegseth. The remarks come amid growing strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Washington, as both countries seek closer alignment on regional security, defence manufacturing and maritime operations.Hegseth highlighted India's ongoing military modernisation efforts, saying the country is building the capabilities needed to support high-end military operations and contribute more significantly to regional security. "India is modernising its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean," he said.He also pointed to India's expanding defence manufacturing sector, describing it as an important component of broader US efforts to strengthen military readiness among partners and allies.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-military-build-up-causing-alarm-across-asia-says-hegseth-as-us-pushes-regional-balance-1780106901397">Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia, says US seeking 'stable equilibrium'</a><h2>Hegseth reveals why India's military expansion matters to the US</h2>According to Hegseth, India is developing the industrial and logistical infrastructure needed to support advanced military platforms, including maintenance and repair capabilities for US Navy vessels operating in the region. "This kind of industrial muscle isn't just a long-term goal, it's an immediate operational imperative," Hegseth said.The Pentagon chief also revealed that Washington and New Delhi are moving ahead with defence co-production initiatives, including efforts related to Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems."We've committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities like Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. These are real, tangible steps to improve the collective readiness of our forces," he said.Hegseth framed India's growing defence capabilities within the context of a broader US military expansion. He said the Trump administration plans a major increase in defence spending and manufacturing output."America is undergoing a historic national manufacturing mobilisation of our defence industrial base," he said, adding that President Donald Trump intends to make a "generational investment" in military capabilities.At the same time, Hegseth urged US allies and partners to increase their defence commitments, arguing that countries willing to shoulder greater responsibility would receive greater strategic cooperation from Washington. "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," he said.

US calls India a "critical anchor" in the Indo-Pacific: At Asia's top security summit, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised India's military modernisation and growing defence industry, arguing that a stronger India helps maintain the regional balance of power.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) described India as a key pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific, praising its military modernisation drive and growing defence-industrial capabilities as Washington seeks to strengthen partnerships across the region. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said India plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power in Asia and is increasingly taking on a larger security role, particularly in the Indian Ocean. "In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line," Hegseth said during his address. Also read | US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles How India helps maintain a balance of power "A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region," said Hegseth. The remarks come amid growing strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Washington, as both countries seek closer alignment on regional security, defence manufacturing and maritime operations. Hegseth highlighted India's ongoing military modernisation efforts, saying the country is building the capabilities needed to support high-end military operations and contribute more significantly to regional security. "India is modernising its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean," he said. He also pointed to India's expanding defence manufacturing sector, describing it as an important component of broader US efforts to strengthen military readiness among partners and allies. Also read | Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia, says US seeking 'stable equilibrium' Hegseth reveals why India's military expansion matters to the US According to Hegseth, India is developing the industrial and logistical infrastructure needed to support advanced military platforms, including maintenance and repair capabilities for US Navy vessels operating in the region. "This kind of industrial muscle isn't just a long-term goal, it's an immediate operational imperative," Hegseth said. The Pentagon chief also revealed that Washington and New Delhi are moving ahead with defence co-production initiatives, including efforts related to Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems. "We've committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities like Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. These are real, tangible steps to improve the collective readiness of our forces," he said. Hegseth framed India's growing defence capabilities within the context of a broader US military expansion. He said the Trump administration plans a major increase in defence spending and manufacturing output. "America is undergoing a historic national manufacturing mobilisation of our defence industrial base," he said, adding that President Donald Trump intends to make a "generational investment" in military capabilities. At the same time, Hegseth urged US allies and partners to increase their defence commitments, arguing that countries willing to shoulder greater responsibility would receive greater strategic cooperation from Washington. "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," he said.

US calls India a "critical anchor" in the Indo-Pacific: At Asia's top security summit, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised India's military modernisation and growing defence industry, arguing that a stronger India helps maintain the regional balance of power.

'Critical anchor': Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue lauds India, calls New Delhi a pillar of regional stability

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) warned that China's rapidly expanding military capabilities are generating a "rightful alarm" across the Indo-Pacific, as Washington renewed its commitment to maintaining a balance of power in the region where no state has unchecked power.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-capable-of-restarting-war-with-iran-hegseth-amid-reports-of-depleted-missile-stockpiles-shangri-la-dialogue-security-summit-singapore-1780106328135">US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles</a><h2>Indo-Pacific nations 'alarmed' over China's rise</h2>Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier security forum, Hegseth said countries across the region were increasingly worried about Beijing's military expansion and its growing strategic footprint."When we look across the region today, there is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military build-up and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," Hegseth said during his keynote address.His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan, maritime disputes in the South China Sea and competition for influence across the Indo-Pacific.Despite the sharp criticism, Hegseth insisted the United States was not seeking confrontation with China. US does not seek "needless confrontation in the region," he told delegates, which included defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries.Instead, the Pentagon chief said the US objective was to preserve stability by ensuring that no single country dominates the region.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-blue-origin-s-new-glenn-rocket-explodes-on-launch-pad-during-hotfire-test-what-happened-video-1780021155966">Watch: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explodes in massive fireball during launch pad 'hotfire test'</a><h2>If not confrontation, what does the US want?</h2>According to Hegseth, Washington is working towards what he described as a "genuinely stable equilibrium" that benefits both the United States and its allies.He said this means maintaining "a favourable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question."The comments reflect growing concern in Washington over China's military modernisation programme, which has seen Beijing rapidly expand its naval fleet, missile arsenal and air power over the past decade.

US warned that countries across the Indo-Pacific are increasingly alarmed by China. At Asia's biggest security forum, Pete Hegseth said Beijing's military expansion is causing growing concern across the region. Yet he insisted US is not seeking confrontation. So what does the US want?

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) warned that China's rapidly expanding military capabilities are generating a "rightful alarm" across the Indo-Pacific, as Washington renewed its commitment to maintaining a balance of power in the region where no state has unchecked power. Also read | US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles Indo-Pacific nations 'alarmed' over China's rise Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier security forum, Hegseth said countries across the region were increasingly worried about Beijing's military expansion and its growing strategic footprint. "When we look across the region today, there is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military build-up and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," Hegseth said during his keynote address. His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan, maritime disputes in the South China Sea and competition for influence across the Indo-Pacific. Despite the sharp criticism, Hegseth insisted the United States was not seeking confrontation with China. US does not seek "needless confrontation in the region," he told delegates, which included defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries. Instead, the Pentagon chief said the US objective was to preserve stability by ensuring that no single country dominates the region. Also read | Watch: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explodes in massive fireball during launch pad 'hotfire test' If not confrontation, what does the US want? According to Hegseth, Washington is working towards what he described as a "genuinely stable equilibrium" that benefits both the United States and its allies. He said this means maintaining "a favourable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question." The comments reflect growing concern in Washington over China's military modernisation programme, which has seen Beijing rapidly expand its naval fleet, missile arsenal and air power over the past decade.

US warned that countries across the Indo-Pacific are increasingly alarmed by China. At Asia's biggest security forum, Pete Hegseth said Beijing's military expansion is causing growing concern across the region. Yet he insisted US is not seeking confrontation. So what does the US want?

Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia, says US seeking 'stable equilibrium'

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) dismissed concerns about America's military readiness, insisting the United States remains fully capable of launching fresh operations against Iran if necessary, even as a new report warns that key missile inventories could take years to replenish.Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth said the US military remains prepared for any future confrontation. "The United States is more than capable" of restarting military action against Iran if required, he said during the annual gathering of defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-military-build-up-causing-alarm-across-asia-says-hegseth-as-us-pushes-regional-balance-1780106901397">Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia</a><h2>US munition stockpiles depleted?</h2>Hegseth's remarks come as questions grow over the impact of the recent Iran conflict on US weapons stockpiles. A new analysis by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that three of America's most important missile systems, which were used extensively during the Iran war, could take at least three years to replenish.The report focuses on Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot air defence interceptors and THAAD missile defence systems, all of which play a critical role in modern US military operations.According to the analysis, the United States currently possesses enough munitions to handle any likely scenario involving Iran. However, researchers warned that "depleted inventories have created a window of vulnerability for a potential Western Pacific conflict".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reveals-secret-3-month-head-start-on-exquisite-class-weapon-production-to-fuel-operation-epic-fury-against-iran-bae-lockheed-and-raytheon-1772844959324">Trump reveals US had secret 3-month head start on 'exquisite class' weapon production before Iran war</a> The think tank noted that rebuilding stockpiles is no longer primarily a funding issue. Instead, the challenge lies in manufacturing capacity and production timelines. "The problem today isn’t money; it’s time" the report said."It takes time to expand production capacity and build these complex systems," the report said, warning that vulnerabilities could persist for several years before inventories return to desired levels.The findings come despite the Trump administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, which includes a major increase in spending on advanced weapons systems.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the US really ready for another war with Iran? US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore insisted that America is "more than capable" of restarting the conflict. But a new analysis suggests key missile stockpiles used in the Iran war could take years to replenish. All you need to know

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) dismissed concerns about America's military readiness, insisting the United States remains fully capable of launching fresh operations against Iran if necessary, even as a new report warns that key missile inventories could take years to replenish. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth said the US military remains prepared for any future confrontation. "The United States is more than capable" of restarting military action against Iran if required, he said during the annual gathering of defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries. Also read | Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia US munition stockpiles depleted? Hegseth's remarks come as questions grow over the impact of the recent Iran conflict on US weapons stockpiles. A new analysis by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that three of America's most important missile systems, which were used extensively during the Iran war, could take at least three years to replenish. The report focuses on Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot air defence interceptors and THAAD missile defence systems, all of which play a critical role in modern US military operations. According to the analysis, the United States currently possesses enough munitions to handle any likely scenario involving Iran. However, researchers warned that "depleted inventories have created a window of vulnerability for a potential Western Pacific conflict". Also read | Trump reveals US had secret 3-month head start on 'exquisite class' weapon production before Iran war The think tank noted that rebuilding stockpiles is no longer primarily a funding issue. Instead, the challenge lies in manufacturing capacity and production timelines. "The problem today isn’t money; it’s time" the report said. "It takes time to expand production capacity and build these complex systems," the report said, warning that vulnerabilities could persist for several years before inventories return to desired levels. The findings come despite the Trump administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, which includes a major increase in spending on advanced weapons systems. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the US really ready for another war with Iran? US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore insisted that America is "more than capable" of restarting the conflict. But a new analysis suggests key missile stockpiles used in the Iran war could take years to replenish. All you need to know

US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles

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'Critical anchor': Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue lauds India, calls New Delhi a pillar of regional stability

China's military rise causing 'alarm' across the Pacific, says Hegseth

US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth