India Increased Its Nuclear Warhead Count to 180 in 2024: SIPRI Report
Overview: Global Nuclear Expansion
All 9 nuclear-armed countries continued modernising their nuclear weapons in 2024.
Countries are upgrading old weapons and adding new types.
A new nuclear arms race is emerging.
This is happening while arms control regimes are weakening.
🇮🇳 India’s Nuclear Developments
India slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024.
Warhead count rose from 172 (2024) to 180 (2025).
India is developing new delivery systems:
‘Canisterised’ missiles can carry warheads during peacetime.
These may also carry multiple warheads per missile once operational.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Nuclear Progress
Pakistan is:
Developing new delivery systems.
Accumulating fissile material (used to make nukes).
Its arsenal may expand in the next decade.
Warhead count in 2025 remains at 170.
India-Pakistan Conflict Risk
In early 2025, India-Pakistan tensions led to brief armed conflict.
Strikes on nuclear-related military targets occurred.
Disinformation by third parties worsened the situation.
This raised the risk of nuclear escalation.
SIPRI expert Matt Korda warns that reliance on nuclear weapons is dangerous.
🌍 Global Nuclear Arsenal (Jan 2025)
| Country | Deployed Warheads | Stored Warheads | Total Inventory (2025) | Total in 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,770 | 1,930 | 5,177 | 5,328 |
| Russia | 1,718 | 2,591 | 5,459 | 5,580 |
| China | 24 | 576 | 600 | 500 |
| India | — | 180 | 180 | 172 |
| Pakistan | — | 170 | 170 | 170 |
Total global nuclear warheads: 12,241
Warheads in military stockpiles (ready for use): 9,614
Deployed warheads (on missiles/aircraft): 3,912
Remaining warheads are in central storage.
Warning: Treaty Expiry
If no new treaty is signed after New START expires in Feb 2026, the number of deployed warheads could increase.
SIPRI calls for urgent global cooperation to limit nuclear arms.
By: Shivam Saxena
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