New Delhi : India has, for the first time, deployed 12 nuclear warheads, marking a significant development in its strategic deterrence posture. The country’s estimated nuclear arsenal has also increased from 180 to 190 warheads over the past two years, according to the latest report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The report notes that India had no deployed nuclear warheads in 2025 but has now deployed 12 in 2026. In contrast, Pakistan’s nuclear stockpile remains unchanged at an estimated 170 warheads. However, the report does not specify how many of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are currently deployed.
Like the United States and Russia, India does not officially disclose the exact size, capabilities, or deployment status of its nuclear arsenal. SIPRI and other international research organizations rely on independent assessments and estimates to track global nuclear forces.
World Holds More Than 12,000 Nuclear Weapons
According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, the world is entering a new era of nuclear competition, with all nuclear-armed states rapidly modernizing their weapons and delivery systems.
As of early 2026, the world’s nine nuclear-armed countries—the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel—collectively possess an estimated 12,187 nuclear warheads. Of these, approximately 9,745 are held in military stockpiles and are considered potentially operational.
Three Key Findings Related to India
Fifth-Largest Military Spender Globally
India’s defense expenditure reached $92.1 billion in 2025, an increase of 8.9 percent compared to the previous year. Only the United States, China, Russia, and Germany spent more on defense.
Second-Largest Arms Importer
Between 2021 and 2025, India remained the world’s second-largest importer of major weapons systems, accounting for 8.2 percent of global arms imports. Together, Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan represented 35 percent of total global arms imports during the period.
US and Russia Still Dominate Nuclear Arsenal
The United States and Russia continue to hold nearly 86 percent of the world’s nuclear weapons while pursuing extensive modernization programs. China’s estimated nuclear arsenal has also grown from 600 to 620 warheads. India is estimated to possess 190 nuclear warheads, compared with Pakistan’s 170.
India Expanding Long-Range Strike Capability
SIPRI highlighted India’s efforts to develop longer-range weapons capable of reaching targets across the entire Chinese mainland. The move reflects New Delhi’s strategy of maintaining credible deterrence against both China and Pakistan.
Military monitoring and infrastructure development along the India-China border have also intensified following the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
India is simultaneously developing advanced nuclear delivery systems, including Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. MIRV-equipped ballistic missiles can carry multiple nuclear warheads and strike several targets simultaneously.
In December 2025, India successfully tested the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile, further strengthening its strategic capabilities.
Growing Nuclear Presence at Sea
The report also highlights India’s expanding sea-based nuclear deterrent. Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, particularly INS Arihant, are increasingly becoming a critical component of India’s second-strike capability.
SIPRI estimates that India may now be deploying a limited number of nuclear warheads aboard ballistic missile submarines even during peacetime. Such deployments enhance survivability and ensure retaliatory capability in the event of a first strike by an adversary.
The INS Arighaat submarine, capable of launching nuclear weapons from underwater platforms, is expected to further strengthen India’s maritime nuclear deterrent.
Report Mentions India-Pakistan Military Standoff
The SIPRI report notes that the risk of major armed conflict remains high in several regions worldwide. It references the brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025, during which India reportedly carried out strikes against Pakistani air and missile facilities believed to have links to the country’s nuclear infrastructure.
According to the report, both countries exercised restraint and prevented the situation from escalating into a larger conflict.
The report also states that India and Pakistan openly employed cyber operations and digital warfare during the confrontation for the first time. India referred to its campaign as “Operation Sindoor,” which reportedly took place between May 7 and May 10, 2025.
Only Three Countries Reduced Nuclear Stockpiles
SIPRI found that only three countries—the United States, Russia, and France—have retired nuclear weapons from their active inventories in recent years. The United States has retired 1,342 warheads, Russia 1,020, and France 80.
Israel’s nuclear arsenal is estimated at 90 warheads, with no significant increase or reduction reported.