How many nuclear weapons does India have as per SIPRI 2026 report? How many nuclear weapons has India deployed for the first time? Has India overtaken Pakistan in the number of nuclear weapons? How many nuclear weapons does China have as per SIPRI report?
Nuclear Weapons: According to the 2026 yearbook of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has increased its stockpile of nuclear weapons from 180 to about 190. With this increase, India has overtaken Pakistan, North Korea and Israel in terms of the number of nuclear weapons. However, India still has far fewer nuclear weapons than China.
India deployed 12 nuclear weapons
Another important thing has come to light in the SIPRI report. According to the report, for the first time India has deployed 12 nuclear weapons in peace time. This is believed to be different from India’s old policy, under which nuclear weapons were generally kept separate from ballistic missiles and other launch systems.
SIPRI 2026 Report: How many nuclear weapons does India have?
According to the report, India has a total of 190 nuclear weapons by January 2026. Of these, 12 weapons are deployed, while 178 weapons are stored. This number is more than Pakistan’s estimated 170 nuclear weapons, but much less than China’s approximately 620 nuclear weapons.
Which country has the most nuclear weapons in the world?
Currently 9 countries of the world have nuclear weapons. Among these, Russia and America are considered the biggest nuclear powers.
Russia has the world’s largest nuclear stockpile. According to SIPRI it has about 5,420 nuclear weapons. Of these, about 4,400 are in the military reserves and about 1,796 are deployed.
America has a total of about 5,042 nuclear weapons. Of these, about 3,700 are in military reserves, while about 1,770 weapons are deployed.
China has rapidly expanded its nuclear program in recent years. According to SIPRI, it now has about 620 nuclear weapons.
France is estimated to have about 370 nuclear weapons. Of these, about 290 weapons are kept in the military stockpile.
- United Kingdom (Britain)
Britain has about 225 nuclear weapons.
Nuclear capability of India and Pakistan in South Asia
Both India and Pakistan are nuclear powered countries in South Asia. According to SIPRI, India has about 190 nuclear weapons and Pakistan has about 170 nuclear weapons. Both countries maintain stockpiles of nuclear weapons to maintain their security and deterrence. India is estimated to have 12 deployed nuclear weapons.
How many nuclear weapons do Israel and North Korea have?
Israel and North Korea reportedly have relatively small nuclear stockpiles. Israel has about 90 nuclear warheads. North Korea is estimated to have about 60 nuclear warheads.
What has changed in India’s nuclear policy?
India has long been following a “de-mated” nuclear policy. Under this policy, nuclear warheads were kept separate from missiles and aircraft during peacetime. Only in serious crisis or war-like situations were they integrated with the launch system. But the SIPRI 2026 report indicates that India is now moving towards limited changes in this policy.
What does it mean to deploy nuclear weapons in peacetime?
SIPRI said in its report that for a long time it was believed that India keeps its nuclear warheads separate from deployed launchers in peacetime. However, in recent years India has taken steps such as placing missiles in canisters and increasing sea-based deterrence patrols. This indicates that India is now moving towards keeping some nuclear warheads attached to their launchers even in peace time.
The number of China’s deployed nuclear weapons also increased
According to SIPRI report, China has also increased the number of its deployed nuclear weapons. China had 24 deployed nuclear warheads in 2024, which will increase to 34 in 2026.
India’s focus on long-range nuclear capability
According to the report, India’s nuclear modernization program is now focusing on long-range weapons. Such weapons have the capability to reach potential targets located within China. Experts believe that the deployed nuclear warheads strengthen India’s deterrence capability and enhance its strategic credibility against both China and Pakistan.