India Adds 10 Nuclear Warheads in a Year (Image Internet)
New Delhi: India's nuclear arsenal has expanded to an estimated 190 warheads, overtaking Pakistan's stockpile of 170, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026. The report highlights ongoing nuclear modernization efforts among major military powers and points to a gradual increase in global nuclear capabilities.
SIPRI estimates that India possessed around 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, up from 180 a year earlier. The report notes that a small number of these warheads remain deployed and ready for operational use.
Researchers also pointed to India's continued development of new nuclear delivery systems. According to the report, New Delhi's modernization efforts include work on longer-range capabilities that could potentially reach targets across China.
While India's stockpile grew during the past year, Pakistan's estimated inventory remained stable at approximately 170 warheads. However, SIPRI noted that Islamabad continued developing delivery systems and accumulating fissile material, developments that could support future expansion of its nuclear forces.
The report added that strategic competition between the two South Asian neighbours remains a key factor shaping their defence policies.
SIPRI also referred to the brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025. The report stated that Indian strikes targeted Pakistani air and missile facilities believed to have nuclear-related functions, while both countries took measures to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Beyond South Asia, the report found that China increased its estimated nuclear arsenal from 600 to 620 warheads during the year. Russia's stockpile also rose, reaching 4,400 warheads. Meanwhile, the United States maintained its inventory at approximately 3,700 warheads.
According to SIPRI, the world's nine nuclear-armed states continue investing in modernization programs. The institute estimates that around 12,187 nuclear warheads existed globally in early 2026, with nearly 9,745 held in military stockpiles for potential use.
