NEWS: India Expanded Its Nuclear Arsenal in 2025: SIPRI Yearbook 2026

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

• Established: 1966
• Location: Stockholm, Sweden
• Independent international research institute.
• Studies: Arms transfers, Military expenditure, Nuclear weapons etc

According to SIPRI Yearbook 2026

• India's Nuclear Arsenal Year Estimated Warheadsà 2025 ~180, 2026 ~190
• India added approximately 10 warheads.
• Meaning India is:
  • Gradually expanding its nuclear arsenal.
  • Modernizing nuclear delivery systems.
  • Improving long-range strike capability.

India Expanding its Nuclear Capability

China Factor

• India is increasingly developing: Longer-range missiles, better delivery systems, improved deterrence capability
• Purpose: To ensure credible reach against targets across China.
• Strategic Context à China's: Rapid military expansion, missile developmentàcompelled India to strengthen deterrence.

Pakistan Factor

• India continues to maintain deterrence against Pakistan becauseà Both are nuclear weapon states.
• There have been repeated military crises.
• Examples: Kargil (1999), Balakot (2019), Operation Sindoor (2025)
• Thus India must maintain a credible minimum deterrent

India's Nuclear Doctrine

• Credible Minimum Deterrence
  • Maintain only the minimum nuclear weapons necessary for security.
  • India does NOT seek parity with larger nuclear powers.
• No First Use (NFU)
• India's doctrine states: India will not be the first to use nuclear weapons.
• However, it will retaliate massively if attacked with nuclear weapons.