Pete Hegseth said the US does not currently regard India or Pakistan as a missile threat. His remarks highlighted Washington’s effort to deepen ties with both countries amid shifting South Asian security dynamics.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday highlighted what he described as improving ties between Washington and Islamabad, praising Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership and calling the evolving relationship with the United States an important development for regional peace.
Speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said US President Donald Trump had developed a “true friendship” with Pakistan’s leadership and credited Islamabad with playing a constructive role in efforts aimed at maintaining stability in South Asia.
“I very easily could have mentioned Pakistan and the role that the field marshal and the prime minister are playing in peace negotiations,” Hegseth said, referring to Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Calling the warming ties between Washington and Islamabad “an unexpected development”, Hegseth said the relationship was becoming increasingly important. He also pointed to what he described as President Trump’s role in helping broker peace between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbours.
‘INDIA AND PAKISTAN ARE NOT A MISSILE THREAT FOR US’
Hegseth’s remarks came during a discussion on regional security, where he was also asked about the missile capabilities of India and Pakistan. Responding to the question, he said the United States does not currently view either country as a missile threat.
“We’re not pointing a finger at either country and calling them a threat to us,” he said, adding that both India and Pakistan face legitimate security concerns from each other and are likely to continue developing strategic deterrence capabilities.
The question referenced testimony by Tulsi Gabbard before the US Senate Intelligence Committee in March, during which she listed Pakistan among countries developing missile systems capable of eventually putting the US homeland within range.
At the same event, Hegseth also reaffirmed Washington’s strategic partnership with India, describing the country as “a critical anchor” in South Asia. He praised India’s military modernisation efforts and confirmed that the two countries were moving ahead with plans for co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided munitions, while expanding cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
