The US recognises India as a major defence partner partly out of respect for New Delhi's indispensable role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region. In his remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore today, Defence Secretary James Mattis said the US is exploring new ways to address new challenges as well from maritime security to the growing threat posed by the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia. <br/><br/>For example, he said US recognises India, the most populous democracy in the world, as a major defence partner. Mattis said America did so in part out of respect for India's indispensable role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region. He called upon all countries to contribute sufficiently to their own security.