India is modernising rapidly, says US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth amid growing strategic ties

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has described India as a “powerful” country that is rapidly modernising its military capabilities, underscoring Washington’s growing strategic and defence partnership with New Delhi.

Speaking about India’s expanding role in regional and global security, Hegseth said the country has emerged as a significant strategic partner and is investing heavily in strengthening its military preparedness and defence infrastructure.

His remarks come at a time when India and the United States are expanding cooperation across defence technology, military exercises, critical minerals, maritime security and Indo-Pacific strategy.

India-US defence ties have deepened substantially over the past decade through a series of strategic agreements, joint exercises and technology-sharing initiatives.

The two countries now conduct multiple military exercises across the Army, Navy and Air Force, including the annual Yudh Abhyas and Malabar Exercise drills.

Washington has also increasingly supported defence industrial cooperation with India as New Delhi pushes its domestic manufacturing goals under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Recent agreements between the two countries have focused on jet engine technology cooperation, defence production partnerships and critical mineral supply chains.

Focus on Indo-Pacific security

Hegseth’s comments also reflect the growing importance of India within the broader US Indo-Pacific strategy.

The United States views India as a key strategic partner in maintaining regional stability and balancing growing geopolitical competition across the Indo-Pacific region.

India is also a central member of the Quad grouping alongside the United States, Japan and Australia.

In recent months, the four countries have expanded cooperation on maritime security, supply chains, energy security and critical technologies.

India’s military modernisation drive

India has accelerated defence modernisation efforts in recent years through upgrades in missile systems, naval capabilities, fighter aircraft, surveillance networks and indigenous defence manufacturing.

The country has also increased investment in strategic programmes involving ballistic missiles, drones, cyber capabilities and advanced defence technologies.

Recent successful tests of indigenous missile systems, including the Agni series, have highlighted India's focus on strengthening long-term deterrence and strategic preparedness.

The government has simultaneously sought to reduce dependence on imported military equipment by expanding domestic production and defence exports.

The India-US relationship has increasingly expanded beyond traditional military cooperation into technology, semiconductor manufacturing, energy security and critical minerals.

Both countries have repeatedly described each other as key strategic partners amid changing global geopolitical alignments.