New Delhi : According to the latest SIPRI Yearbook 2026 released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India operationally deployed nuclear warheads for the first time in 2025. The report stated that India had 12 deployed nuclear warheads during the year, while China increased its deployed nuclear arsenal from 24 to 34 warheads.
The annual assessment by the Sweden-based arms control and conflict research organisation noted that nations across the world are increasingly relying on nuclear weapons as instruments of strategic power. The report estimated that nearly 4,012 nuclear warheads remain deployed globally on missiles and aircraft systems.
Global Nuclear Stockpile Remains High
SIPRI estimated that the total global inventory stood at around 12,187 nuclear warheads as of January 2026. Out of these, approximately 9,745 warheads were maintained in military stockpiles for potential operational use.
The report highlighted that this was the first occasion where India’s nuclear weapons were categorised as operationally deployed rather than remaining entirely in reserve stockpiles. However, SIPRI did not specify the exact timeline or circumstances under which India may have deployed the warheads alongside launch systems.
India Today reported that while Pakistan was not shown as having deployed warheads, China’s operationally deployed nuclear weapons rose significantly compared to previous estimates.
India-Pakistan Conflict Raised Concerns
The SIPRI report also referred to the brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025. The four-day conflict involved attacks on Pakistani air and missile bases believed to have nuclear-related functions.
According to SIPRI, despite escalating tensions, both countries took measures to prevent the situation from spiralling further. The institute noted that global developments, especially conflicts involving nuclear-armed nations such as India and Pakistan, are challenging traditional deterrence strategies and increasing nuclear risks worldwide.
The report further stated that India likely continued expanding its nuclear arsenal in 2025 while simultaneously developing newer nuclear delivery systems.
China Expands Deployed Nuclear Arsenal
SIPRI identified nine countries possessing nuclear weapons — the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel.
The report noted that around 2,100 to 2,200 deployed nuclear warheads globally remained on high operational alert aboard ballistic missiles. Most of these belonged to Russia and the United States, with smaller numbers held by France and the UK.
However, SIPRI added that both China and India may now occasionally deploy a limited number of warheads mounted on missiles even during peacetime.
As of January 2026, the United States had 1,770 deployed warheads, Russia had 1,796, France had 280 and the United Kingdom maintained 120 deployed nuclear warheads.
India and Pakistan Continue Nuclear Developments
SIPRI stated that India continued focusing on long-range missile systems capable of reaching targets across China. The report also observed ongoing military developments involving Pakistan.
According to the analysis, Pakistan continued accumulating fissile material during 2025, indicating the possibility of expanding its nuclear arsenal over the next decade.
India Today reported that SIPRI also highlighted the growing risks associated with nuclear weapons amid rising geopolitical tensions and military confrontations involving nuclear-armed nations.
Also Read: Vijay’s First 30 Days In Tamil Nadu : Promises, Punctuality And Few Stumbles