India increased its nuclear warhead count to 180 in 2024: SIPRI report, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• India's nuclear warheads increased to 180 in January 2025, up from 172 in 2024.
• India is developing canisterised missiles capable of carrying mated warheads, with potential for multiple warheads per missile.
• Pakistan's arsenal remains at 170 warheads, but continues to develop new delivery systems.
• Nine nuclear-armed countries continue modernising and expanding their arsenals.
• SIPRI warns of a rising risk of nuclear crises due to regional tensions and disinformation.
• Global nuclear inventory stands at 12,241 warheads, with 3,912 deployed and 9,614 in military stockpiles.
• The New START treaty, set to expire in February 2026, may lead to further deployment increases.

Detailed Insights:

• India’s nuclear strategy shows a shift toward greater readiness and deterrence through canisterised missile systems, enabling quicker deployment.
• These systems potentially reduce reaction time and improve second-strike capability, central to India’s No First Use (NFU) doctrine.
• The SIPRI report highlights that regional tensions, coupled with third-party disinformation, could escalate conventional wars into nuclear crises.
• Global arms control: With treaties like New START weakening, there is no effective multilateral mechanism currently to halt arms expansion.
• China’s rapid buildup (from 500 to 600 warheads) suggests an emerging tri-polar nuclear world (U.S.–Russia–China), impacting India’s threat perception.
• SIPRI calls for urgent diplomacy and revival of arms control frameworks to prevent a new nuclear arms race and ensure strategic stability.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Canisterised Missiles: Missiles stored and launched from sealed containers, enabling quick launch with mated warheads.
• Mated Warheads: Warheads mounted on delivery systems during peacetime, improving readiness but increasing risk of accidental escalation.
• Second-Strike Capability: The ability to respond to a nuclear attack with a retaliatory strike, crucial for deterrence.
• New START Treaty: A bilateral U.S.–Russia agreement limiting strategic nuclear weapons, expiring in 2026.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the implications of India's evolving nuclear posture on regional stability and global arms control regimes. Suggest measures to enhance nuclear risk reduction.