The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has reported that India’s nuclear arsenal has surpassed Pakistan’s, with India possessing 172 nuclear warheads as of January 2024, two more than Pakistan. This development marks a significant shift in the global nuclear landscape. The report also notes China’s substantial increase in its nuclear stockpile, growing from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, signifying a notable expansion. The analysis by SIPRI highlights the continued modernization of nuclear arsenals by nine nuclear-armed nations, including India, Pakistan, China, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, North Korea, and Israel.
Furthermore, the report underscores that India has been focusing on the development of longer-range weapons, including those capable of reaching targets throughout China, indicating an expansion of its deterrence capabilities. It also points out that India, Pakistan, and North Korea are emulating Russia and the US by deploying multiple warheads on ballistic missiles. Notably, the assessment by SIPRI reveals the ongoing efforts by nuclear-armed states to enhance their nuclear forces, signaling a significant push toward bolstering their strategic capabilities.
The findings of the SIPRI report shed light on the evolving dynamics and strategic considerations in the realm of nuclear deterrence, highlighting the implications of these developments for regional and global security. The report’s comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the modernization and expansion of nuclear arsenals, emphasizing the growing significance of these developments in the context of international security and geopolitical stability.