- By Priyanka Koul
- Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major shift in its nuclear weapons policy, India has deployed 12 nuclear warheads for the first time, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
According to SIPRI’s latest assessment, India now has an estimated total of around 190 nuclear warheads, up from roughly 180 in the previous year. Of these, 12 are believed to be deployed which means they are no longer kept solely in storage but are considered operationally assigned. This is the first time SIPRI has categorised any portion of India’s arsenal as deployed rather than fully stockpiled.
Nuclear weapons deployed for operational use
The report further suggests that this is the first time India’s nuclear arsenal is being considered not just as stored stockpiles, but as operationally deployed weapons. Deployment in underground missile silos and on new nuclear submarines with warheads ready for immediate use shows an increased level of readiness.
What's New?
According to the report, the recently deployed 12 warheads indicate that India has, for the first time, integrated nuclear warheads with delivery systems or placed them at operational force bases. This represents a shift from its long-standing practice of keeping nuclear weapons in separate storage facilities.
SIPRI also noted that India’s nuclear arsenal increased slightly over the past year, with some warheads being deployed on ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and deterrence patrols being conducted.
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At the same time, India is estimated to have a growing stockpile of about 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, a slight increase from the previous year. These weapons are assigned to India’s nuclear triad, which includes aircraft, land-based missiles, and SSBNs.
What is India’s nuclear policy?
India continues to officially adhere to a “No First Use” (NFU) nuclear doctrine, under which it commits not to initiate a nuclear strike. Nuclear weapons are intended strictly for retaliation in the event of a nuclear attack against India or its armed forces.