India Expands Nuclear Stockpile and Develops New Delivery Systems in 2025

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released a report stating that India has slightly expanded its nuclear stockpile in 2025 and continued developing new types of nuclear delivery systems. According to the report, at the start of 2026, nine countries — the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel — together possessed approximately 12,187 nuclear weapons, of which 9,745 were in military stockpiles and considered potentially operationally available. This development is significant in the context of India's nuclear posture, which has been guided by the No First Use policy.

India's Nuclear Modernisation Programme

India's modernisation programme is increasingly focused on developing long-range weapons capable of reaching targets throughout China. The report notes that India has deployed 12 nuclear warheads at present, and the country's total nuclear stockpile is estimated at around 190 warheads as of January 2026, up from 180 a year ago. This expansion is part of India's efforts to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities, which include the development of submarine-based nuclear weapon delivery systems. The Arihant-class submarine is a key component of this strategy, providing India with a sea-based nuclear deterrent.

• ▸India's nuclear stockpile has increased by 10 warheads in the past year.
• ▸The country's nuclear modernisation programme is focused on developing long-range weapons.
• ▸The National Security Advisory Board plays a crucial role in shaping India's nuclear policy.
• ▸The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is an international framework aimed at banning nuclear tests.

International Dimension and Geopolitical Implications

The proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Indo-Pacific region has significant geopolitical implications. The report notes that China and India may now occasionally deploy a small number of warheads mounted on missiles during peacetime. This development marks a shift from China's longstanding policy of keeping warheads and missiles de-mated. The modernisation and further deployment of nuclear weapons raise potential risks related to nuclear escalation, including the increasing overlap between dual-capable nuclear and non-nuclear (conventional) military capabilities.

Challenges and Concerns

The report highlights two of the most destabilising developments in the nuclear landscape: nuclear–conventional entanglement and the proliferation of multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles. India's planning remains heavily influenced by its long-standing rivalry with Pakistan, which has focused on developing new delivery systems and accumulating fissile material. The Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty is an international framework aimed at preventing the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons.

• ▸The Nuclear Suppliers Group plays a crucial role in regulating the global nuclear trade.
• ▸The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), established under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), is responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• ▸The Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD), developed by India, is a key component of its nuclear deterrence strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India's nuclear posture is evolving, with a focus on developing long-range weapons and strengthening its nuclear deterrence capabilities. The international dimension of this development is significant, with implications for the Indo-Pacific region and the global nuclear landscape. The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) of the United Nations plays a crucial role in promoting disarmament and international security.