New Delhi: India has increased its nuclear arsenal from 172 to 180 warheads over the past year and made major strides in developing advanced missile systems, including canisterised and MIRV-capable technologies, according to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report comes in the wake of tensions between the bitter neighbours, and a brief period of increased hostilities last month.
As of January 2025, SIPRI estimates India’s nuclear warhead count at 180, up from 172 in 2024. While Pakistan is also increasing its fissile material stockpile and delivery platforms, India’s technological advancements give it a qualitative edge.
Faster deployment and safer handling
A key development has been the introduction of canisterised missiles capable of carrying pre-mounted nuclear warheads even during peacetime. Such systems allow for faster deployment and safer handling. SIPRI notes that India’s next-generation platforms, such as the Agni Prime (Agni-P) and the MIRV-capable Agni-5, mark a significant leap in deterrent capabilities.
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The Agni-P, with a range of 1,000–2,000km, is a compact, road-mobile missile suited for quick deployment. Meanwhile, the Agni-5, successfully tested under Mission Divyastra in 2024, is equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, enabling a single missile to strike multiple targets. India is also one of the few countries in the world which have the capability to launch second-strike.
India ahead in technological sophistication
In comparison, Pakistan has made strides in expanding its fissile material production and refining delivery systems. However, the report suggests Islamabad still lags behind New Delhi in terms of technological sophistication and diversification of platforms.
SIPRI also expressed concern over the brief India-Pakistan hostilities, warning that attacks on nuclear-related military assets and the role of disinformation pose severe escalation risks.
Meanwhile, China is rapidly increasing its warheads. It has also constructed over 350 ICBM silos and approximately 100 warheads annually since 2023. China will reach 1,500 warheads by 2035, though still far behind the US and Russia, who have over 5,000 warheads each.
Nations continue to invest heavily in new nuclear technologies
Globally, SIPRI estimated the total number of nuclear warheads at 12,241, with 9,614 in military stockpiles. Of these, 3,912 are deployed and 2,100 kept on high operational alert, mostly by Russia and the US. China may now be adopting similar readiness postures.
The report further mentioned that all nine nuclear-armed states—the US, Russia, China, France, the UK, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea—continued to invest heavily in new nuclear technologies in 2024.
