India's Nuclear Arsenal Expansion and Global Implications
India's Nuclear Developments in 2024
Guwahati, June 17: In 2024, India has slightly increased its nuclear capabilities and is actively working on advanced delivery systems, including canisterised missiles that may be equipped to carry multiple warheads, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its Yearbook 2025.
The Swedish research organization released its annual report on global military armaments, disarmament, and security on Monday, indicating that India's nuclear advancements reflect a sustained focus on strategic modernization. The report highlights that India's new missile systems are designed for improved mobility and rapid deployment, potentially allowing for warheads to be carried even in peacetime, thereby enhancing India's second-strike capability.
SIPRI noted, "India is believed to have once again slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024 and continued to develop new types of nuclear delivery systems." The emphasis on canisterised missile technology marks a significant shift in India's nuclear strategy.
The report also mentioned the recent four-day military standoff between India and Pakistan in May 2025, which SIPRI indicated brought the two nuclear-armed nations perilously close to a full-scale war. The combination of military maneuvers and misinformation from third parties nearly escalated the situation into a nuclear crisis.
Matt Korda, Associate Senior Researcher at SIPRI and Associate Director at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), remarked, "This should act as a stark warning for states seeking to increase their reliance on nuclear weapons."
Regarding Pakistan, the report highlighted that the country continues to develop new delivery systems and accumulate fissile material, indicating a potential expansion of its nuclear arsenal in the coming decade.
On a global scale, the SIPRI Yearbook presents a concerning overview. As of January 2025, there are approximately 12,241 nuclear warheads, with around 9,614 believed to be in military stockpiles ready for potential use. All nine nuclear-armed nations, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel, are reportedly engaged in extensive nuclear modernization programs throughout 2024.
The think tank noted, "The gradual dismantlement of retired warheads, particularly by Russia and the USA after the Cold War, had previously led to annual reductions in global nuclear stockpiles. However, this trend is likely to reverse in the coming years as the pace of dismantlement slows and the deployment of new weapons accelerates."
SIPRI cautioned that this signals the onset of a "dangerous new nuclear arms race" at a time when international arms control agreements are deteriorating or failing.