SIPRI Report: India’s Nuclear Arsenal Expands Amid Global Modernisation

India has reportedly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024 and continues to develop new nuclear delivery systems, according to the latest assessment by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The annual report highlights a concerning global trend, with all nine nuclear-armed nations modernising their weapons, signaling the rise of a new nuclear arms race. China has seen the fastest growth in its nuclear stockpile, while India and Pakistan are also enhancing their capabilities.

Why in News?

The SIPRI Yearbook 2025, an authoritative source on armaments, disarmament, and international security, has revealed that India is among the countries expanding their nuclear capabilities. This development gains significance amidst growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific and an increasingly multipolar nuclear landscape. The report underscores global risks related to nuclear modernisation and lack of disarmament dialogue.

Highlights from the SIPRI Report

India’s Nuclear Expansion

• India slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024.
• Continued development of new types of nuclear delivery systems.
• Development of canisterised missiles capable of carrying mated warheads.
• These may eventually support multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

Global Context

• All nine nuclear powers (US, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, UK, France, Israel, North Korea) are modernising their arsenals.
• SIPRI warns of a “dangerous new nuclear arms race”.

China’s Rapid Growth

• China’s arsenal grew to 600 warheads, increasing by ~100 warheads annually.
• Constructed around 350 new ICBM silos across multiple regions.
• May match US or Russia in number of ICBMs by 2030.

Global Nuclear Arsenal

• Estimated 12,241 nuclear warheads globally (as of Jan 2025).
• Around 9,614 are in military stockpiles.
• About 3,912 warheads are deployed with missiles or aircraft.
• 2,100 warheads are on high operational alert, primarily in the US and Russia.
• China may now also keep warheads on missiles during peacetime.

Static and Background Facts

• SIPRI: Stockholm-based institute specializing in arms control, conflict, and international security.
• India’s nuclear posture: Based on “credible minimum deterrence” and a No First Use (NFU) doctrine.
• China’s strategic shift: Moving toward a launch-on-warning posture.
• Russia & US: Hold 90% of global nuclear stockpiles.
• ICBM: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, capable of long-range nuclear strikes.