India Deploys 12 Nuclear Weapons for Operational Use, SIPRI Report Claims

India has, for the first time, placed 12 nuclear weapons in the operational category during peacetime, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The report claims that this marks a significant change in India’s nuclear strategy and indicates a shift towards stronger operational readiness.

 

According to the report, these nuclear weapons are linked to fighter aircraft, land-based missiles and nuclear-capable submarines. India is believed to have deployed these systems during the current year. Until now, India was generally understood to keep its nuclear warheads and delivery systems separately during peacetime.

 

The report states that underground missile silos and newly developed nuclear submarines suggest that India is increasingly prepared to deploy nuclear weapons for quick use if required. This development is being viewed as a major shift from a limited readiness posture towards a more active deterrence capability.

 

Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence Strengthened

 

The report highlights that India’s nuclear triad capability is expanding steadily, covering air, land and sea-based systems. In particular, the deployment of nuclear ballistic missile submarines such as INS Arihant is strengthening India’s second-strike capability.

 

A sea-based nuclear deterrent is considered important because submarines can remain hidden and provide a credible response capability even after a first strike. The report suggests that India’s growing focus on submarine-based nuclear systems reflects its effort to maintain a survivable and reliable deterrent.

 

SIPRI has assessed that India is moving beyond a limited number of nuclear weapons on submarines and is also developing wider nuclear deterrence options. This could help India maintain the ability to respond effectively in the event of a nuclear attack.

 

India Maintains No-First-Use Policy

 

Despite the reported operational deployment, India has not officially announced any change in its nuclear doctrine. The country continues to follow the principles of “No First Use” and “credible minimum deterrence.” This means India’s declared position remains that nuclear weapons would be used only in response to a nuclear attack.

 

The report notes that although India’s nuclear preparedness appears to be increasing, its official nuclear policy has not changed. India’s approach continues to be based on deterrence rather than first use.

 

India Ranked Sixth in Nuclear Weapons Deployment

 

The report places India sixth among countries with deployed nuclear weapons. Russia is ranked first with 1,796 deployed nuclear weapons, followed by the United States with 1,770. France is listed with 280 deployed nuclear weapons, Britain with 120 and China with 34.

 

Globally, around 4,012 nuclear weapons are believed to be in a ready-to-use condition. The overall number of nuclear weapons in the world is estimated at 12,187.

 

According to the SIPRI report, India’s nuclear stockpile increased to 190 warheads by January 2026, compared to 180 a year earlier. The report suggests that India’s nuclear posture is gradually evolving in response to regional security challenges and the need to maintain credible deterrence across land, air and sea domains.