New Delhi, 08 June (H.S.):

India has expanded its nuclear arsenal over the past year, increasing its stockpile from 180 to 190 nuclear warheads, while neighbouring Pakistan's nuclear capability has remained unchanged at 170 warheads. As a result, India has strengthened its strategic position and moved further ahead of Pakistan in terms of nuclear weapons, according to the latest annual assessment by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The report states that the world's nine nuclear-armed countries collectively possessed 12,187 nuclear warheads as of January this year. Of these, approximately 9,745 warheads were maintained in military stockpiles for potential operational use, while around 4,012 had already been deployed on missiles and combat aircraft.

SIPRI's annual yearbook highlights that changing patterns of warfare and the rapid modernisation of armed forces have intensified the global competition to build and maintain military capabilities. According to the report, decades-long international efforts aimed at reducing the number and significance of nuclear weapons now appear to be facing serious setbacks.

Despite a slight decline in the overall global inventory—from 12,241 nuclear warheads in 2025 to 12,187 this year—the institute cautions that the reduction may be misleading. The report notes that between 2,100 and 2,200 nuclear warheads worldwide remain on high operational alert, meaning they could be launched within minutes of receiving orders. Russia and the United States account for the largest share of these ready-to-launch weapons.

Russia continues to be the world's largest nuclear power, with an estimated 5,420 nuclear warheads. The United States ranks second with 5,042 warheads.

China has also continued to expand its nuclear capabilities at a rapid pace. According to the report, its arsenal increased from 600 to 620 warheads over the past year.

Among the established nuclear powers, France recorded one of the most significant increases. The report indicates that France expanded its nuclear stockpile from 290 to 370 warheads within a year, adding 80 warheads to its inventory.

In contrast, the United Kingdom maintained a stable arsenal of 225 warheads without any significant change in its strategic nuclear posture.

Despite ongoing regional tensions and conflict involving Iran, Israel's nuclear stockpile remained unchanged at 90 warheads, according to the assessment.

North Korea, meanwhile, continued to expand its nuclear capabilities. Its estimated arsenal grew from 50 to 60 warheads during the reporting period, reflecting continued progress in its weapons programme.

The report suggests that several countries are once again placing greater emphasis on nuclear deterrence and strategic weapons, raising concerns among arms-control experts about the future of global nuclear disarmament efforts and international security.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar