SIPRI Yearbook 2026: India’s Nuclear Arsenal Reaches 190 Warheads

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According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, India has expanded its nuclear arsenal to an estimated 190 warheads, strengthening its lead over Pakistan, which is estimated to possess around 170 warheads. The report also highlights India's continued investment in long-range missile systems, military modernization, and rising defence expenditure.

Released annually by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the Yearbook provides a comprehensive assessment of global military spending, nuclear arsenals, arms transfers, and international security developments.

SIPRI Yearbook 2026 Highlights India's Growing Nuclear Arsenal

The SIPRI Yearbook 2026 estimates that India possessed approximately 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, compared to Pakistan's estimated stockpile of 170 warheads.

This gives India an advantage of around 20 warheads over its western neighbour. The report notes that both countries continued to modernize and expand their nuclear capabilities throughout 2025 as part of broader defence modernization efforts.

The increase reflects India's focus on maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent while strengthening its strategic capabilities in a rapidly evolving security environment.

India's Nuclear Strategy Increasingly Focused on China

According to SIPRI, India's nuclear planning is increasingly oriented toward developing longer-range delivery systems capable of addressing a broader range of strategic challenges.

While India's security considerations continue to be influenced by its long-standing rivalry with Pakistan, greater attention is now being directed toward China and the evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Investments in advanced missile technologies and longer-range systems indicate a strategic shift aimed at enhancing deterrence and strengthening national security.

This evolving approach reflects India's efforts to address multiple security challenges simultaneously while maintaining strategic stability in the region.

Nuclear Modernization Reshaping South Asian Security

The SIPRI report highlights that military competition in South Asia is no longer limited to conventional weapons and nuclear arsenals.

Countries across the region are increasingly investing in advanced technologies that are transforming modern warfare and strategic planning.

Emerging Technologies Influencing Regional Security

• Long-range missile systems

• Armed and autonomous drones

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled military platforms

• Cyber warfare capabilities

• Advanced surveillance and intelligence systems

• Precision-guided weapon systems

• Space-based military technologies

These emerging technologies are playing an increasingly important role in deterrence, defence preparedness, and military operations.

India Remains Among the World's Largest Defence Spenders

India continued to rank among the world's leading military spenders in 2025.

According to SIPRI, India's defence expenditure reached approximately $92.1 billion during the year, representing an increase of 8.9% compared to the previous year.

The rise in defence spending reflects India's commitment to strengthening military preparedness, modernizing its armed forces, and enhancing indigenous defence production capabilities.

India's Defence Spending Highlights

• Defence Expenditure (2025): Approximately $92.1 billion

• Annual Growth: 8.9%

• Global Ranking: 5th largest military spender

• Share of Global Arms Imports (2021–2025): 8.2%

The continued increase in defence spending underscores India's focus on maintaining operational readiness and addressing evolving security challenges.

Strategic Importance of Military Modernization

India's ongoing military modernization programme focuses on improving capabilities across all domains of warfare.

Key areas of investment include:

• Missile development programmes

• Air defence systems

• Indigenous defence manufacturing

• Naval modernization

• Cybersecurity infrastructure

• Space and surveillance capabilities

• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies

These initiatives aim to strengthen national security and reduce dependence on foreign defence imports.

Global Nuclear Trends in 2026

The SIPRI Yearbook notes that several nuclear-armed states continue to modernize their arsenals despite global arms control efforts.

Major powers are investing in:

• New nuclear delivery systems

• Modernized warheads

• Advanced missile technologies

• Strategic command and control systems

The report suggests that global nuclear competition remains a significant feature of the international security landscape.

About SIPRI

Full Name

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

Established

1966

Headquarters

Stockholm, Sweden

Key Areas of Research

• Military expenditure

• Nuclear forces

• Arms transfers

• Arms control and disarmament

• International security studies

• Conflict and peace research

Annual Publication

SIPRI Yearbook

The SIPRI Yearbook is regarded as one of the most authoritative global references on military spending, nuclear arsenals, and international security developments.

Conclusion

The SIPRI Yearbook 2026 estimates that India's nuclear arsenal has grown to 190 warheads, maintaining a lead over Pakistan's estimated stockpile of 170 warheads. The report highlights India's continued focus on nuclear modernization, long-range missile development, and broader defence preparedness.

At the same time, India's defence expenditure reached approximately $92.1 billion in 2025, reinforcing its position among the world's leading military powers. As regional and global security dynamics continue to evolve, investments in advanced technologies and strategic capabilities are expected to remain central to India's defence strategy.

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