Big nuclear shift? SIPRI says India has deployed 12 warheads for first time

The report suggests that New Delhi may be moving away from its long-standing practice of storing nuclear warheads and delivery systems separately during peacetime, signalling a higher state of readiness in its strategic forces.

12 warheads now operationally deployed

According to SIPRI, India has deployed 12 nuclear warheads, the first instance in which a portion of its arsenal has been classified as operationally deployed rather than stockpiled.

The report notes that these warheads have likely been mated with delivery systems or placed at bases alongside operational forces.

The development is linked to India's growing use of canisterised missiles and sea-based deterrence patrols by nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

"India could be shifting in the direction of mating some of its warheads with their launchers in peacetime," the report states.

Nuclear arsenal grows to 190 warheads

SIPRI estimates that India possessed around 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, a slight increase from the previous year.

"India was estimated to have a growing stockpile of about 190 nuclear weapons as of January 2026—a small increase from the previous year. These weapons were assigned to a maturing nuclear triad of aircraft, land-based missiles and SSBNs," the report says.

India's nuclear triad refers to its ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air and sea platforms, providing greater survivability and deterrence capability.

Sea-based deterrence patrols highlight readiness

The report also points to India's deployment of a small number of warheads aboard a ballistic missile submarine and the conduct of deterrence patrols as evidence of an evolving nuclear posture.

The deployment of ready-to-launch weapons in missile canisters, underground facilities and sea-based platforms indicates a move towards enhanced operational preparedness, SIPRI says.

India continues to adhere to no-first-use doctrine

Despite the reported changes, India's official nuclear doctrine remains unchanged.

India follows a "No First Use" policy, under which it pledges not to initiate a nuclear strike.

Nuclear weapons would only be used in retaliation to a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere in the world.

The doctrine is built around the concept of "credible minimum deterrence", maintaining a limited but effective nuclear arsenal designed to deter adversaries rather than fuel an arms race.

While SIPRI's assessment points to a shift in operational deployment practices, there has been no official announcement from the Indian government indicating any change in its stated nuclear doctrine.