India expanded its nuclear stockpile in 2024 – SIPRI

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India expanded its nuclear stockpile in 2024 – SIPRI

New Delhi is believed to have 180 nuclear-stored warheads, according to the Stockholm-based institute

India expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024 and continues to develop new types of delivery systems for the weapons, according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published on Monday. SIPRI is an independent international institute that conducts research on conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.

According to the SIPRI 2025 yearbook, India had 180 nuclear stored warheads as of January 2025, while Pakistan had an estimated 170. India has strengthened its nuclear triad by commissioning its second domestically built nuclear-powered submarine, the ‘INS Arighaat’, which can launch strategic weapons from the sea, in addition to land and air-based capabilities, the SIPRI noted.

India’s nuclear policy, established in 2003, states that the country will only use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack on its territory or forces, and will not be the first to conduct a nuclear strike in a conflict. SIPRI, which updates its global nuclear forces data annually, said Pakistan is continuing to develop new nuclear delivery systems and produce more fissile material, indicating a potential expansion of its nuclear arsenal in the coming years.