India deploys nuclear warheads in peacetime for first time; here's where China stands

New Delhi: India has operationally deployed 12 nuclear warheads for the first time, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026. The report estimates that India's total nuclear arsenal has grown to 190 warheads, up from 180 a year earlier.

Of these, 12 are now classified as deployed while 178 remain in storage. This marks the first time SIPRI has assessed that India maintains operationally deployed nuclear weapons during peacetime.

Shift from traditional nuclear posture

For decades, India was believed to store nuclear warheads separately from delivery systems such as missiles. SIPRI says recent developments suggest a gradual shift in that approach.

The institute noted that India's increasing use of canisterised missile systems and the deployment of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines indicate that some warheads may now be mated with launch systems during peacetime.

This represents an important evolution in India's strategic deterrence posture while remaining consistent with its No First Use doctrine.

Sea-based deterrence drives change

A major factor behind the change is India's growing sea-based nuclear capability.

India has operationalised the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) INS Arighaat and INS Aridaman. These submarines are capable of carrying nuclear-armed ballistic missiles and conducting deterrence patrols beneath the ocean surface.

Such submarines form the most survivable leg of a nuclear triad because they are difficult to detect and can ensure a retaliatory strike capability even after a nuclear attack.

SIPRI suggests that some of the newly deployed warheads may be linked to these submarine-based deterrence missions.

How India compares with China

Despite the latest increase, India's nuclear arsenal remains significantly smaller than China's.

According to SIPRI estimates:

• China: 620 total warheads, 34 deployed
• India: 190 total warheads, 12 deployed

The report states that China is currently expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country. Beijing continues constructing missile silo fields and developing new nuclear delivery systems.

SIPRI believes China could possess more than 1,000 warheads by the end of the decade, though it would still trail Russia and the United States.

Russia and the United States remain dominant

Russia and the United States continue to possess the overwhelming majority of the world's nuclear weapons.

SIPRI estimates:

• Russia: 4,400 military stockpile, 1,796 deployed
• United States: 3,700 military stockpile, 1,770 deployed

Together, the two countries account for roughly 83 per cent of all military stockpiled nuclear warheads worldwide.

While both nations are modernising their arsenals, they continue to face technical, financial and strategic challenges.

Global nuclear stockpiles rising again

SIPRI warned that the long-term decline in global nuclear arsenals appears to be ending.

The institute estimates that the world's nine nuclear-armed states collectively possess around 12,187 nuclear warheads. Approximately 9,745 are available in military stockpiles, while more than 4,000 are deployed with missiles and aircraft.

The report notes that nearly all nuclear powers are modernising their arsenals and introducing new delivery systems amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Strategic significance for India

While India's deployed arsenal remains modest compared with major nuclear powers, the move is strategically significant. It signals a gradual transition towards a more operationally ready deterrent centred on survivable sea-based forces.

Defence analysts view the development as part of India's broader effort to strengthen its nuclear triad and maintain credible deterrence amid evolving regional security challenges involving both China and Pakistan.

Nuclear balance at a glance

Country	Total warheads	Deployed warheads
Russia	4,400	1,796
United States	3,700	1,770
China	620	34
India	190	12