SIPRI Report 2026: India Deploys Nuclear Weapons Operationally for First Time, Arsenal Rises to 190
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Jun 09, 2026
- 178
India has reportedly deployed nuclear weapons in an operational role for the first time, according to the latest SIPRI Report 2026. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates that India's nuclear stockpile has increased from 180 warheads to 190 over the past year.
The report reveals that India had no operationally deployed nuclear weapons in 2025. However, by the beginning of 2026, around 12 nuclear warheads had been placed in deployment status, marking a significant shift in India's nuclear posture.
Pakistan's nuclear inventory remains unchanged at approximately 170 warheads, although the exact number of deployed weapons remains unknown.
SIPRI Warns of New Global Nuclear Arms Race
According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, the world is entering a new era of nuclear competition as major powers continue to modernize and expand their nuclear capabilities.
The nine nuclear-armed states — the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel — collectively possess about 12,187 nuclear weapons.
Of these, nearly 9,745 warheads remain in military stockpiles and are available for potential operational use.
India Emerges as World's Fifth-Largest Military Spender
SIPRI data shows that India's Defence expenditure reached $92.1 billion in 2025, reflecting an 8.9 percent increase compared with the previous year.
Only the United States, China, Russia, and Germany spent more on defence, placing India among the world's leading military powers.
India Becomes Second-Largest Arms Importer
The report also identifies India as the world's second-largest importer of military equipment during the 2021-2025 period.
India accounted for 8.2 percent of global arms imports. Together, Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan represented 35 percent of total international arms purchases.
India Strengthens Nuclear Deterrence Against China
SIPRI notes that India is increasingly focusing on developing long-range missile systems capable of reaching distant regions of China.
The strategy is aimed at maintaining a balanced deterrence posture against both China and Pakistan.
Military surveillance and security deployments along the India-China border have also intensified following the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
MIRV Technology Boosts India's Strategic Capability
India is investing in advanced nuclear delivery systems, including MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology.
MIRV technology allows a single ballistic missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads capable of striking different targets independently, significantly enhancing strategic flexibility and deterrence.
INS Arihant Strengthens India's Sea-Based Nuclear Force
The SIPRI report highlights the growing importance of India's maritime nuclear capability.
India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant has become a crucial component of the country's second-strike capability.
The report estimates that India now maintains a limited number of nuclear weapons aboard ballistic missile submarines even during peacetime, ensuring retaliatory capability in the event of a nuclear attack.
India-Pakistan Military Confrontation Raised Nuclear Concerns
SIPRI also reviewed the military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
During the conflict, India reportedly targeted Pakistani air and missile installations believed to be linked to Islamabad's nuclear infrastructure.
Despite heightened tensions, both countries avoided a wider escalation.
The report further notes that India and Pakistan openly employed cyber warfare and digital operations during the conflict for the first time. India named its military campaign "Operation Sindoor," conducted between May 7 and May 10, 2025.
US and Russia Continue to Dominate Global Nuclear Stockpiles
The United States and Russia still possess approximately 86 percent of the world's nuclear weapons.
China's nuclear inventory has expanded to between 600 and 620 warheads, while India's arsenal stands at 190 and Pakistan's at 170.
Global Conflicts Slightly Decline in 2025
Beyond South Asia, SIPRI observed a small decline in the number of conflict-affected countries worldwide.
The number of countries experiencing armed conflict fell from 50 in 2024 to 49 in 2025.
Countries Retiring Nuclear Weapons
Only three nations have continued reducing their nuclear arsenals.
The United States has retired 1,342 warheads, Russia has retired 1,020, and France has retired 80.
Israel's estimated nuclear stockpile remains unchanged at approximately 90 warheads.
Thetripurapost Overview
The SIPRI Report 2026 highlights India's growing military and nuclear capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions. With an expanded nuclear arsenal, operational deployment of warheads, development of MIRV technology, and strengthening sea-based deterrence through INS Arihant, India is positioning itself as a major strategic power in an increasingly competitive global security environment.
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