According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India now holds more nuclear weapons than Pakistan, while China has significantly expanded its nuclear power from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 by January 2024. This annual report from the Swedish think tank highlights ongoing nuclear developments and modernization efforts among nuclear-armed nations.SIPRIs analysis revealed that Chinas nuclear weapons saw a substantial increase, from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024. The report anticipates continued growth in Chinas nuclear stockpile, marking a significant shift in global nuclear dynamics. The report identifies nine nuclear-armed nations— the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel— that continued to modernise their nuclear arsenals in 2023. Several of these countries deployed new nuclear-capable weapon systems during the year.Indias Nuclear ArsenalIndias stored nuclear warheads totaled 172 in January 2024, slightly more than Pakistans 170. Both India and Pakistan continued to develop new types of nuclear delivery systems in 2023. The SIPRI report notes that while Pakistan remains the primary focus of Indias nuclear deterrent, India is increasingly emphasising longer-range weapons capable of reaching targets throughout China.High Operational Alert WarheadsThe report disclosed that approximately 2,100 of the deployed warheads are kept in a state of high operational alert on ballistic missiles, with nearly all of them belonging to Russia or the US. However, for the first time, China is believed to have some warheads on high operational alert, indicating a significant development in its nuclear posture.Russia and the US Dominate Nuclear StockpilesRussia and the US together possess almost 90 percent of the worlds nuclear weapons. The SIPRI report estimated that Russia had deployed around 36 more warheads with operational forces compared to January 2023. Despite Chinas growth, its stockpile remains much smaller than those of Russia or the US.Global Nuclear DevelopmentsThe SIPRI report underscores the continuous modernization and expansion of nuclear arsenals worldwide. The developments highlight shifting priorities and growing nuclear capabilities among the worlds nuclear-armed states, raising important questions about future global security dynamics.
