Report

ISLAMABAD: India has deployed 12 nuclear warheads in a notable development reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The move marks the first time New Delhi has placed nuclear warheads in operational deployment during peacetime, according to the SIPRI Yearbook 2026 released this week.

The report estimates India’s total nuclear stockpile at around 190 warheads as of January 2026, up from 180 the previous year. Of these, 12 are now considered deployed, likely mated to missiles on a submarine conducting occasional deterrence patrols.

This shift comes as India continues to modernise its nuclear triad comprising land, air and sea-based delivery systems. SIPRI notes that canisterised missiles, which can be transported with mated warheads, have enabled this operational change.

Pakistani officials and analysts are closely monitoring the development amid ongoing regional strategic competition. The deployment ends India’s long-standing practice of keeping warheads de-mated from delivery systems in peacetime.

**Official Statements** A senior Pakistani defence analyst described the SIPRI findings as confirmation of India’s expanding nuclear posture. “This deployment signals a departure from India’s traditional minimum credible deterrence approach towards a more assertive operational readiness,” the analyst said on condition of anonymity.

Indian officials have not issued an immediate public comment on the specific SIPRI assessment. New Delhi maintains a policy of no-first-use while emphasising credible minimum deterrence.

**Key Data and Figures** SIPRI estimates place Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal at approximately 170 warheads, remaining relatively stable. India’s stockpile now exceeds Pakistan’s by around 20 warheads.

The report indicates India has slightly expanded its inventory while focusing on new delivery systems. These include longer-range missiles and submarine-launched capabilities. The Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) form a key part of this triad.

Globally, nine nuclear-armed states possess approximately 12,241 nuclear weapons, with about 9,614 potentially operationally available. The SIPRI data highlights a broader trend of modernisation across major powers, including China, Russia and the United States.

India’s nuclear programme dates back to its 1974 peaceful nuclear explosion, followed by overt tests in 1998. Since then, it has developed a range of delivery platforms including the Agni series of ballistic missiles, with ranges extending beyond 5,000 kilometres for certain variants.

**Background Context** The development occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control and persistent challenges in relations with Pakistan. India has prioritised naval nuclear capabilities to secure its second-strike options in the Indian Ocean region.

Pakistan maintains a policy focused on full-spectrum deterrence, including tactical nuclear options. Both countries continue to invest in fissile material production and missile technology, though neither has joined the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

SIPRI’s assessment relies on open-source information, satellite imagery analysis and technical modelling, as neither India nor Pakistan provides official details on arsenal size or deployment status.

**Reactions and Impact** The report has drawn attention in South Asian strategic circles. Defence observers note that India’s sea-based deployment enhances the survivability of its nuclear forces but could prompt adjustments in regional postures.

Market reactions remained muted in immediate trading sessions, though defence-related stocks in India showed minor movements. Regional diplomatic channels have seen no immediate escalation in statements following the report’s release.

Pakistan’s military maintains high vigilance along the eastern border and continues routine exercises to validate its own deterrence capabilities. The development underscores the importance of strategic stability measures between nuclear neighbours.

**Strategic Implications** This first-time deployment of nuclear warheads by India reflects evolving doctrinal thinking. It aligns with broader efforts to operationalise the nuclear triad more effectively, particularly the sea leg which offers greater stealth and survivability compared to land-based systems.

Analysts suggest the move may be driven by perceived threats from China’s growing naval presence and missile capabilities in the region. India’s focus on canisterised systems allows for quicker response times while maintaining command and control safeguards.

For Pakistan, the development reinforces the need for continued modernisation of its own nuclear and conventional forces. Both countries have historically shown restraint during crises, but th