• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. SIPRI report states India has 190 nuclear warheads.
  2. Around 12 Indian warheads are operationally deployed.
  3. Pakistan expresses concern, seeks international community intervention.

A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a global arms monitoring body, has triggered sharp reactions in Pakistan over the shifting strategic balance in South Asia.

According to the report, India currently holds around 190 nuclear warheads. Of these, a small number, reportedly about 12, are believed to be operationally deployed for delivery systems. The development has drawn attention in regional security discussions and prompted a strong response from Islamabad.

Immediately after the report surfaced, Pakistan’s government and Foreign Ministry issued statements on Thursday expressing concern over what it described as India’s expanding strategic capabilities. Islamabad also acknowledged that India’s nuclear strength may be larger and more advanced than previously assessed in international estimates.

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"The trajectory of India's strategic forces program, including its intercontinental range missile systems, is not oriented solely toward Pakistan or China. It is oriented toward establishing India as a global nuclear power capable of threatening major Western capitals,” PTI quoted senior Pakistani defence official, Lt Gen (retd) Mazhar Jamil.

Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Strategic Stability

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has urged the international community, particularly countries supplying advanced defence technologies to India, to reconsider such support. It warned that India’s military modernisation could disrupt the existing strategic balance in South Asia.

Security analysts, however, note that Pakistan’s reaction also reflects its own economic constraints and comparatively slower defence expansion.

India, for its part, continues to maintain its long-standing “no first use” nuclear doctrine while modernising its strategic forces.

SIPRI Data On Nuclear Arsenal

The SIPRI report estimates that India currently holds around 190 nuclear warheads. Of these, a small number, reportedly about 12, are believed to be operationally deployed for delivery systems.

This marks the first time a global research organisation has indicated that a portion of India’s arsenal may be maintained in a ready-to-use posture, rather than entirely in central storage.

The report also highlights India’s advancement in missile “canisterisation” technology, where warheads are integrated into sealed containers within missiles. This improves safety, mobility and allows quicker launch readiness if required.

India’s expanding nuclear triad, including land-based missiles, air delivery systems and nuclear-powered submarines, is also seen as a key factor strengthening its strategic deterrence.

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Regional Nuclear Balance In Focus

SIPRI data shows China continuing to expand its nuclear arsenal, now estimated at around 620 warheads.

India’s stockpile is estimated at 190 warheads, while Pakistan holds roughly 170, with no major change reported in the past year.

The latest assessment suggests a gradual shift in South Asia’s nuclear balance, with India enhancing its delivery capabilities across all three domains, land, air and sea, strengthening what analysts describe as a more mature strategic posture.

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