India has more nuclear weapons than Pakistan: SIPRI report

India now possesses more nuclear warheads than Pakistan, reflecting a steady expansion of its nuclear arsenal throughout 2024 according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report. Estimates place India’s current stockpile at around 180 warheads, while Pakistan is believed to have approximately 170.

Currently, the world’s nine nuclear-armed nations are the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, Israel, North Korea, India, and Pakistan have all continued significant modernisation efforts of their nuclear forces in 2024.

India has reportedly advanced its capabilities through the development of new ‘canisterised’ missile systems, which can be transported with mated warheads and may be capable of carrying multiple warheads per missile once fully operational. These upgrades enhance India’s strategic flexibility and readiness during peacetime.

Pakistan, meanwhile, has continued to develop new delivery platforms and is increasing its production of fissile material, suggesting it may expand its arsenal further in the coming years.

The situation grew more volatile in early 2025, when a brief but intense conflict erupted between India and Pakistan, underscoring the dangers of escalation in a nuclear-armed region. Experts warn that nuclear weapons offer no guarantee of stability.

With both nations continuing to modernise their arsenals, the strategic balance in South Asia remains fragile and increasingly dangerous.