SIPRI Yearbook 2026: India’s Nuclear Arsenal Estimated at Around 190 Warheads

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its Yearbook 2026 on 8 June 2026, estimating that India had modestly expanded its nuclear arsenal to around 190 warheads by early 2026. SIPRI is an independent research institute that tracks global armaments, disarmament and international security.

According to the report, India is continuing to modernise its nuclear forces, with growing emphasis on longer-range delivery systems capable of reaching targets across China, alongside its long-standing focus on Pakistan. The yearbook also noted that global nuclear stockpiles among major powers remain a concern for arms control.

The assessment highlighted the May 2025 India–Pakistan military confrontation, referred to as Operation Sindoor, describing it as an unusually severe crisis between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. SIPRI noted that both sides took steps to prevent further escalation, and that cyber operations were integrated into the conflict.

For aspirants, useful points include what SIPRI is and what its yearbook covers, India's nuclear doctrine (including its 'No First Use' policy and credible minimum deterrence), the structure of the nuclear triad, and the broader dynamics of India–Pakistan and India–China security relations.