SIPRI Report 2025

Prelims: Current events of National Importance

Why in new?

Recently the SIRPI Yearbook was release which is a comprehensive resource on world armaments and global security.

• SIPRI – Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
• Established – 19b66
• Headquarters – Stockholm, Sweden
• It provides data, analysis, and recommendations on armed conflict, military expenditure, arms trade, disarmament, and nuclear forces.

Key Global Findings (2025 Yearbook)

• Global Nuclear Arsenal – Total global nuclear warheads is approximately 12,121 (including retired stock).
• Countries with nuclear weapons – 9 countries (USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea).
• Russia & USA hold over 90% of global nuclear weapons.
• Russia - 5,459 warheads
• USA - 5,177 warheads
• Deployment trends – Many countries are modernising their nuclear arsenals.
• Dual-capable missiles (conventional + nuclear) being developed or upgraded by Russia, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea.
• MIRV Capability – MIRV means Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles that allows a missile to carry several warheads.
• It is already deployed by USA, Russia, UK, France, China
• It is in development in India, Pakistan, North Korea.

India-Specific findings

• Nuclear warhead count – India has 180 nuclear warheads (as of January 2025)
  • Pakistan - 170
  • China - 600
• Expansion & modernisation – India slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024.
• It continued to focus on developing new types of nuclear delivery systems.
• Canisterised missiles – India is developing canister-based missiles which,
  • Allow quick deployment.
  • Likely to carry multiple warheads in the future.
  • May shift India toward peacetime warhead-missile mating.
• Mature nuclear triad – India possesses a nuclear triad,
  • Air-based – Fighter aircraft
  • Land-based – Ballistic missiles
  • Sea-based – Nuclear submarines (SSBNs)
• Strategic posture – India’s nuclear policy primarily aimed at Pakistan, but growing emphasis on long-range deterrence against China.
• Increase in submarine patrols and operational readiness.
• India is increasingly seen as a responsible nuclear power, yet rapidly adapting to a changing threat environment.

Reference

The Indian Express| SIPRI report