From Deterrence to Dominance: India’s Nuclear Arsenal Takes Center Stage

Image Source: Kashmir Observer

India has grown its nuclear arsenal slightly in 2024, now eclipsing Pakistan's and initiating a new aggressive phase in its nuclear policy, according to the new Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2025. The development comes at a time of a global trend towards nuclear modernization and heightened regional tensions.

Key Highlights

India's expanding nuclear arsenal:

India upgraded its nuclear warheads from 172 in 2024 to 180 in 2025, surpassing the stable number of 170 by Pakistan.

Modernization and New Patterns of Supply:

India is actively engaged in the development of advanced nuclear delivery systems, including "canisterised" missiles that can carry mated warheads and, in the future, possibly multiple independently targetable warheads (MIRVs).

Strategic Doctrine Change:

Traditionally having launchers and warheads as separate entities, India's shift towards canisterised missiles and sea-based deterrence patrols is a pointer towards moving towards keeping some weapons ready for immediate use, improving second-strike capability.

Operation Sindoor and Regional Tensions The report mentions India's Operation Sindoor—retaliatory raids across Pakistani borders after a terrorist attack—that temporarily escalated into a four-day military confrontation, bringing both countries to the brink of nuclear crisis.

Agenda Beyond Pakistan:

While Pakistan remains a prime target, India is more and more concerned with long-range capability to counter China's growing arsenal of 600 warheads.

Global Nuclear Landscape SIPRI predicts a "hazardous new nuclear weapons race," with all nine nuclear states updating their arsenals. Of 12,241 warheads on earth, 9,614 are in military inventories ready for possible use. The Bottom Line India's incremental but consistent nuclear expansion is a strategic step, not just vis-a-vis Pakistan but increasingly against China. The SIPRI report points to the risk of a slide into escalation and the need for new arms control talks in an increasingly vibrant nuclear era.

Source: Financial Express, Business Today, India Today, Indian Express, SIPRI, Dawn, Adda247, Assam Tribune