India may have deployed a small number of nuclear warheads during peacetime for the first time, according to a new assessment by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), signalling a possible shift in the country’s long-standing nuclear posture.
In its latest yearbook, SIPRI estimated that India possesses around 190 nuclear warheads, up from approximately 180 a year ago. More significantly, the report suggested that about 12 warheads could now be deployed on missiles during peacetime, marking a departure from India’s traditional practice of keeping nuclear warheads separated from delivery systems until required.
India has historically followed a policy of maintaining a credible minimum deterrent and a “No First Use” doctrine, under which nuclear weapons are intended primarily for deterrence rather than active deployment. While the government has not officially commented on SIPRI’s findings, the assessment has sparked discussions among strategic and defence experts about the evolution of India’s nuclear strategy.
The SIPRI report also highlighted broader global trends, noting that nuclear-armed nations are increasingly modernising and expanding their arsenals amid rising geopolitical tensions. According to the institute, the era of reductions in global nuclear stockpiles appears to be slowing, with several countries investing in new delivery systems and advanced nuclear technologies.
India has been steadily enhancing its strategic capabilities through the development of longer-range ballistic missiles, submarine-based deterrent systems and improvements in command-and-control infrastructure. Defence experts say these efforts are aimed at ensuring the credibility and survivability of the country’s nuclear deterrent.
The shift may be linked to changing security dynamics in the region, including China’s growing military capabilities and Pakistan’s expanding nuclear arsenal. Maintaining a limited number of ready-to-use warheads could potentially improve response times and strengthen deterrence in the event of a crisis.
