CONTEXT

• SIPRI 2025 Report: Tracks nuclear arms development globally.
• Nine Nuclear States: US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel.
• Backdrop: Rising geopolitical tensions, weakening arms control treaties.

CONCEPT

• Nuclear Arsenal: Total warheads globally at 12,241.
• Military Stockpiles: 9,614 warheads potentially usable.
• Deployed Warheads: Approx. 3,912 with delivery systems (missiles/aircraft).
• Modernisation Trend: All nine states pursuing upgrades and new systems.
• Canisterised Missiles: Missiles with pre-attached warheads, enhancing rapid launch capability.
• Nuclear Arms Race: Intensifying due to strategic distrust and tech advancements.
• Disinformation Threat: Can escalate conventional conflict into a nuclear crisis.
• Strategic Treaties Weakening: New START treaty expiring in 2026, no clear successor.

CURRENT (India & Global Snapshot – 2024-25)

India

• Warhead Count: Increased from 172 (2024) to 180 (2025).
• Modernisation: Developing new delivery systems, including canisterised missiles.
• Operational Readiness: Likely improving due to advancements in missile capabilities.

Pakistan

• Warhead Count: Remains at 170.
• Trends: Continued accumulation of fissile material, expanding delivery systems.

China

• Inventory: Rose from 500 (2024) to 600 (2025).
• Deployed Warheads: 24; Stored: 576.

United States

• Inventory: Decreased from 5,328 (2024) to 5,177 (2025).
• Deployed: 1,770; Stored: 1,930.

Russia

• Inventory: Fell from 5,580 to 5,459.
• Deployed: 1,718; Stored: 2,591.

Conflict Risk

• India-Pakistan Clash (Early 2025): Brief armed conflict, involved nuclear-related targets.
• Escalation Risk: Highlighted due to misinformation and fragile deterrence stability.