SIPRI Yearbook 2026: India expands nuclear arsenal to around 190 warheads

Why in News?

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute recently released the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, an annual assessment of global armaments, disarmament, and international security. The report highlights important developments regarding global nuclear arsenals, military expenditure, and arms transfers, including significant findings related to India.

About SIPRI Yearbook 2026

The SIPRI Yearbook is a comprehensive annual publication that examines trends in military spending, arms transfers, nuclear weapons, armed conflicts, and international security. The 2026 edition notes that all nine nuclear-armed states continued to modernize and enhance their nuclear arsenals during 2025.

Global Nuclear Scenario

According to SIPRI, the world possessed an estimated 12,187 nuclear warheads as of January 2026. Of these, around 9,745 warheads were held in military stockpiles for potential use. Approximately 4,012 warheads were deployed with missiles and aircraft, while the remaining warheads were kept in central storage facilities.

India’s Nuclear Arsenal

The report estimates that India’s nuclear stockpile increased from about 180 warheads in 2025 to 190 warheads in 2026. SIPRI has also assessed, for the first time, that India has 12 operationally deployed nuclear warheads, marking a shift from its earlier classification as a country whose nuclear weapons were primarily stockpiled rather than deployed.

India’s Military Expenditure

India emerged as the fifth-largest military spender in the world in 2025. The country’s military expenditure reached US$ 92.1 billion, reflecting an increase of 8.9 percent over the previous year.

India’s Arms ImportsThe report states that India was the second-largest arms importer globally during the period 2021–2025. India accounted for 8.2 percent of total global arms imports, underscoring its continued efforts to strengthen defence capabilities amid evolving security challenges.

Source: SIPRI