India possesses more nuclear weapons than Pakistan, while China has boosted its nuclear arsenal from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 by January 2024, according to a report from a Swedish think-tank.

Amidst two recent wars globally, an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed that nine nuclear-armed countries, including India, Pakistan, and China, have continued to upgrade their nuclear capabilities. The report highlighted that Russia and the US together hold 90% of the world's nuclear weapons, with several nations introducing new nuclear-capable weapon systems in 2023.

Approximately 2,100 nuclear warheads, predominantly owned by the US and Russia, remained in a state of high operational readiness on ballistic missiles. The report also noted that China likely placed some warheads on high operational alert for the first time.

India possesses 172 nuclear warheads

According to the SIPRI report released in January 2024, India possessed 172 nuclear warheads in storage, which is two more than Pakistan. The report noted a slight expansion of India's nuclear arsenal in 2023. Both India and Pakistan continued developing new types of nuclear delivery systems during the same period.

The report highlighted that while Pakistan remains the primary focus of India's nuclear deterrence strategy, India is increasingly emphasizing longer-range weapons capable of targeting locations across China.

SIPRI also mentioned that India, Pakistan, and North Korea are following the lead of Russia and the US by deploying multiple warheads on ballistic missiles.

Regarding China, SIPRI's Hans Kristensen stated that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal at a faster pace than any other country.

Kristensen also noted, as quoted by PTI, that nearly all nuclear-armed states are either planning or actively working to increase their nuclear capabilities.